Giving Beyond The Law

by Doug Morrell
May 13, 2005

The riches you impart form the only wealth you will always retain. -Martial.

Giving is a matter of the heart – it is based on motive. I should give because it is a good work, not because it will make me look better or placate my guilt. God’s Word says:

"Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding. When you do something for someone else, don't call attention to yourself. You've seen them in action, I'm sure - "play actors' I call them - treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that's all they get. When you help someone out, don't think about how it looks. Just do it - quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out. And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat? Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace. The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense.” (Matthew 6:1-8, The Message).

Obviously, adultery and murder are sins. But we must also guard against committing heart-sins, heart-adultery, heart-murder, and heart-religion. All that we do must be done from an inward, Holy Spirit-inspired vital principle, so that who we are and what we do may be approved of God, not by man.

Empty acts for appearances only produce a present, temporary reward, but God will reward those who are sincere in their faith.

CORE Notes From Doug

Imagine a group of students or adults sharing one goal: to know Jesus Christ deeper and to make Him known to others! Imagine them involved in God’s Word, real fellowship, exciting growth, meaningful service, genuine sharing, prayer and heartfelt worship with one another – doing life together! Imagine yourself in such a caring, committed community – revolutionizing your life as well as the people in your ministry! The CORE Discipleship process will start you on a relational journey, from being a member of a small CORE group to being a vital part of an unbelievable, spiritual discipleship network and community. The CORE Discipleship workbook will help you think, talk, dig deep, care, heal, share and have fun with those in your church! Growing intimately with God and others – developing CORE relationships.

Written for students and adults, the CORE Discipleship Group Workbook contains a 52-week CORE curriculum including: leader's instructions, application forms, weekly journal sheets, accountability questions, weekly scripture memory, and a series of Bible lessons that prepares the student for real life transformation and allows for individual and CORE Group participation and discussion. Click here to learn how you can start making disciples according to the Master's plan.

Copyright 2005 by Doug Morrell, CORE Discipleship Group Ministries, http://www.coregroups.org. You may copy this article for free and distribut as long as you do not change the content, make sure this copyright statement is included, and you distribute for free. Scipture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.