Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 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.”
Devotion: We have spent a lot of time this week talking about when other people take us for granted. We may serve them, give to them, work hard for them, and sacrifice for them without it every being noticed. It can be so incredibly hard to feel as though you are not seen. But, as we are reminded from today’s passage of Scripture, our heart behind serving isn’t recognition within this world.
In fact, not only should we expect and foresee that we likely won’t be recognized, but we should also give in such a way that we are trying not to garner attention for it. Our goal should not be reward and recognition in this lifetime. Our goal in giving to others is to show the love of Jesus and give back to Him with our time, talent, and treasure. We are encouraged to do this quietly and secretly. This isn’t in the sense that we don’t give God the glory and share about Jesus, as we should always be vocal in that way. Rather, it is that we do not do it because we are looking for praise.
When we choose to give back to God without seeking the applause of man, we are rewarded for it on the other side of this life. When we get to heaven someday, the Lord will give you all of the recognition that you could ever hope for all of the ways that you gave your life to serve Him.
Reflect:
- What are some areas that you like to serve in or give to? Why?
- Do you wrestle with looking for recognition in the ways that you serve? How can you shift your desire away from that?
