Red noses and all that
Posted by Shirley Anne on March 4, 2013
English: Justin Webb wearing a red nose for RND 2009.
Jesus said: “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward from your Father in heaven. “Therefore”, when thou do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and the streets that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say, they have their reward. Hence when thou do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly” (Matthew 6:1-4).
Here in the UK we are approaching red-nose day (Friday 15th), better known as ‘comic relief’, a charitable event which has now become established as an annual thing. Whilst there is nothing wrong with collecting for charity this event and others like it have been turned into something of a circus whereby everyone is encouraged to participate or possibly be accused of being too mean. I don’t get involved with red-nose day or any other of these events even though I know the good they do in raising money for those in need in society. Many millions of pounds are collected each year through the sponsorship of individuals or groups who do something extraordinary for charity and I am not adverse to sponsoring someone though I seldom do. As a Christian I think it is right and proper to be charitable but I tend to give anonymously as I am told to do, never letting my right hand knowing what my left hand is doing. It is such a shame that many people will only give to charity through events such as red-nose day and children in need which incidentally are both heavily promoted by the BBC and sometimes they get involved simply because some ‘celebrity’ is involved too. Many more of course collect for charity anonymously and don’t make a song and dance of it. That is the way it should be. All the hype, pomp and ceremony doesn’t wash with me, this sort of thing is typical of the ways of the world and something I shy away from. As Christians we are instructed not to conform to the ways the world. We have to live in the world but we don’t have to be a part of it by following what others do. Let those who glory in their achievements before others have their reward. As for me, I look for a greater reward in Heaven.
Shirley Anne
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Jenny said
I have to agree with you. When charitable giving becomes a matter of peer pressure I feel something has been lost along the way.
Shirley Anne said
Thanks for commenting Jenny.
Shirley Anne x