In the 1990s Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse used to play two comedy characters called 'Smashie and Nicey'. They were disc jockeys whose strapline was, 'I do a lot of work for charity, but I don’t like to talk about it.' The joke was that they never stopped talking about it. People can often be suspicious of celebrities who 'do a lot of work for' charity. They wonder whether the celebrity in question might have an ulterior motive to boost their own career in some way.

Whilst this may not always be a fair conclusion to jump to, it shows that people care not just about the giving, but also about the motivation behind it. Is it selfless or is it self-serving?

In Matthew chapter 6 Jesus talks about the right motivation for giving to the needy. Not for glory or for fame. But, because we care and because it is the right thing to do.

Jesus doesn’t say to those listening to his sermon 'if' you give to the needy. He naturally assumes that his followers will care deeply about those in need and so it is only necessary to give them instructions for 'when' you give to the needy rather than to convince them they should.

I think that Jesus’ instructions for giving are exemplified by the many supporters of Christian Aid who quietly, without fuss or fanfare give of their time and money to help others. People who they have never met and who will never be able to say thank you.

People like Faith, from Kenya, whose story is the focus of our Lent Appeal this year. Christian Aid helped Faith’s community to build a dam, which provides water during times of drought, which are increasingly common due to climate change. The water held by the dam allows Faith to plant vegetables and water her trees so that her crops will thrive and she can feed herself and her family.

If you are one of those people who give to the work of Christian Aid, I want to say thank you. You may never see the impact of your giving or meet the people who have been helped. But, Jesus reminds his followers that our Father in heaven sees what is done in secret and the reward will be from him.

May God bless us as we embark on this Footprints Journey of Lent reflections together.

Father God,
Thank you that you care deeply for those in need. As your followers, help us to have generous hearts and to share with you in the work of caring for the needy and the oppressed. Help us to love others quietly, selflessly and without fanfare. Hoping, not for the affirmation of people, but for the smile of our Father in heaven.
Amen.