Giving is Worth Telling About

Today’s reading: Matthew 5:14-16

 All of my favorite radio stations are “listener supported.” This means, of course, that they depend upon people like me respond with money during their occasional “pledge drives.”

I am always happy to call.

But I am also always troubled to hear the question that comes during these calls: may we mention your name as a supporter?

Of course the stations may always mention my name!

Jesus tells us in today’s reading to “Let your light so shine before me, that they may see your good works …” (verse 16)

So anonymous giving (to my favorite radio stations or to any charity) is not my style.

I’m thinking of a recent story in which actor George Clooney paid a stranger’s restaurant tab, but left his business card so the man would know who had honored him. The man immediately turned to the internet and spread the word about this amazing encounter and Clooney’s inspiring generosity.

Clooney’s willingness to not be anonymous in this giving now has millions of people talking today, and I daresay millions of others have benefited as a result.  (I think I’ll go surprise someone at the restaurant down the street right now, in fact.)

Thanks be to God for many opportunities for glorious giving, may all of our lights always shine powerfully for Him.