revrogesison
In our modern church culture, there’s an alarming trend that needs to be addressed: the public announcement of giving. Whether it’s tithes, offerings, building pledges, or benevolence funds, there’s a growing tendency to highlight who gave what — and how much. While some may argue it encourages generosity, the truth is it can just as easily breed pride, insecurity, and unhealthy comparison within the body of Christ.
Giving is not a show; it’s worship.
Jesus was crystal clear on this. In Matthew 6:1–4, He warns us not to practice our righteousness before others to be seen by them. He goes on to say:
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:3–4, NIV)
When we publicly parade our offerings, we risk turning a sacred act into a stage performance. Instead of pointing to God, we end up pointing to ourselves — or worse, creating a scoreboard that diminishes the sacrifices of those who give quietly, and often sacrificially, behind the scenes.
The danger of comparison culture
When giving is announced or displayed, it may unintentionally ignite a culture of comparison. The wealthy become heroes, while the struggling givers — the widow with her two mites — feel small, ashamed, or invisible. We forget that in God’s economy, it’s not the amount that matters, but the heart behind the gift.
Public announcements can also lead to ego inflation for some and insecurity for others. A church that thrives on financial bragging rights is not the church Jesus envisioned. Instead, He championed the secret, humble, generous heart — the one that doesn’t need applause, recognition, or a spotlight.
Let’s build a different kind of culture
We need to disciple our congregations toward private devotion, not public display. Let giving be between the individual and God. Teach that generosity flows from grace, not guilt. Celebrate the act of giving as worship, not as a statistic or social proof of faith.
A healthy church is one where no one feels inferior because of their financial capacity, and everyone is equally valued in the eyes of God.
Let’s stop raising an egoistic church. Let’s raise a humble, generous, Christ-centered one.
