“Take care not to practice your righteousness in the sight of people, to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.”( Matthew 6:1)
Have you ever heard someone called a “show off”? We use this term for someone who goes out of their way to make their talent known. We know talent is good, but there is a difference between using your gifts and being over the top. Unfortunately, in matters of faith, it can be easy to be a silent show-off. We may look for opportunities to volunteer where we will be seen or give to a cause that will give some credit back to us. If we are honest, this tendency runs much deeper than we’d like to admit. We give a sweet gift, then wonder why we didn’t get a thank-you card or work hard at a church event and focus on how no one seemed to appreciate our efforts.
When we serve the Lord, it is a sacred opportunity, not something to be flaunted. When we look for the approval of others, we often think it will make us feel better or make the hard work worth it, but often the satisfaction only lasts for a moment. Serving people so that we may be praised will only set us up for disappointment and makes our worship insincere. But when we serve in areas no one sees or notices, it is God who receives the honor and glory and, through Him, we can truly be satisfied. Whether we are washing the dishes or picking up a piece of trash left on the ground, we can trust that God sees. The opportunity to serve Him and be a part of His Kingdom work is better than any human recognition we could ever receive.
Why are we often inclined to practice our righteousness in front of people?
What are some areas where you can serve God that no one may notice?
Pray and ask God to help you trust that His reward is enough.
CREDIT: 121 COMMUNITY CHURCH
