Motives Matter: Lessons from Scripture
Ananias and Sapphira: A Warning Against Prideful Giving
Never give to be seen; motives matter.
In Matthew 6, the Pharisees sought recognition for their deeds, desiring earthly rewards. However, Jesus offered them a choice— be honored on earth or in Heaven. This choice was clear.
How often do we fall into the trap of seeking recognition? We want to be thanked for our giving, doing, praying, and ministry and aim to be rewarded here. We forget we are forfeiting another reward because of our prideful motives.
When Jesus said, “Don’t let your left hand know what your right is doing,” He taught us to give up seeking glory from men. Our actions should be for God’s recognition, not for the praise of others. This principle applies not only to our giving, but also to our praying and ministry.
It was the motive that mattered. As you remember, in Matthew 5:16, Jesus told us to let our light shine before men so they could see our good works, but notice that they would glorify our Father in Heaven, not us.
So, it is the motive that matters. Our actions, including our giving, should be driven by a desire to glorify God and serve others, not to seek recognition or reward for ourselves. Jesus emphasized this principle throughout his teachings.
When generous givers in the book of Acts were seen being rewarded and thanked publicly, Ananias and Sapphira longed for recognition. They didn’t give from a generous or grateful heart but from a selfish and prideful heart. Contrast this with the selfless giving of the widow who gave her last two coins or the generosity of the Good Samaritan who helped a stranger in need without seeking recognition.
They died. Their motive was what mattered. They gave to be seen and recognized, as so many do today.
It wasn’t the amount they gave or their not wanting to give it all. The lying, the motive sought recognition rather than self-sacrifice and service.
Your possessions belong to you, and you decide what to do with what you have.
God wants you to give as you purpose in your heart. II Corinthians 9:7
So, the punishment was for the lie, not the giving or lack of giving. The pride in seeking self-glory and recognition motivates them to lie.
Giving is an investment in heaven
Remember, giving is not just an act of charity; it’s an investment in Heaven. By choosing to give generously, you are not only supporting God’s causes but also aligning your heart with the heavenly realm. Where your treasure is, your heart follows. Where you put your money, your heart follows. So when you invest in Heaven, your heart will also look to Heaven and God’s causes.
God promises to bless you as you give (Luke 6:38). Our giving and generosity have a great deal to do with what God restores to us or sends our way.
If you sow sparingly, you reap sparingly. II Corinthians 9:6.
So be generous, a giver. Give, and you will receive. Wow, what a promise!
Quote
The limit of giving is to be the limit of our ability to give. C. S. Lewis
Giving is the thermometer of love. Anonymous
You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving. Amy Carmichael
For giving is living,” the angel said.
“And must I be giving again and again?”
My peevish and pitiless answer ran.
“Oh, no,” said the angel, piercing me through.
“Just give till the Lord stops giving to you.”
Old Deacon Hunter
Anonymous
God has a way of giving by the cartloads to those who give away by shovelfuls. Charles Spurgeon
Worship is giving to God the best He has given us. Oswald Chambers