Matthew 6:1-4
“Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding.
When you do something for someone else, don’t call attention to yourself. You’ve seen them in action, I’m sure—‘playactors’ I call them—treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that’s all they get. When you help someone out, don’t think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Whenever I read this scripture passage, I cannot help but think of a handful of ladies (and a few men) who have greatly influenced my life. Some are in heaven now, while others are still “getting it done” every day. They “fly under the radar” with their deeds…and many never know how much these folks do for other people. But I assure you, the recipients of their acts of servitude take notice!
I would name these people, but those who are still with us would be embarrassed to be recognized…which is really the point! They don’t prepare and deliver meals, visit nursing homes and shut-ins, taxi those who cannot drive to a variety of appointments and events, serve in a myriad of positions at their churches, and so much more so that we can applaud their efforts and make a big deal of it! They do this because they understand what it is to minister in the name of Jesus…to see needs and meet them without any fanfare or fame.
The “reward” is knowledge that God is pleased…that He sees their efforts – and believe me, He DOES! They have done what they could to honor the sacrifices made on their behalf by God as He gave us Jesus to teach us how to live…and to die for our sins.
It concerns me that the next generation(s) might not understand the concept of humble, quiet service that requires no recognition. We’ve made so much of our Christian faith and worship a spectacle and performance. There is competition (sometimes not so subtle) to see who can be the “best”. Church has become something of a “numbers game.” We want the biggest state-of-the-art buildings…the most members…the best musicians…impressive programs for all age groups, and more Bible studies and “activities” than any other body of believers. I cannot imagine that this truly pleases God.
There is a song that says, “We don’t need another hero,” and this is what Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:1-4. He is the hero…pure and simple…and we only need the One! Jesus needs us to be humble servants - dedicated workers who get the work done to build the Kingdom of Heaven. There will be plenty of blessings along the way for those who minister obediently and quietly…and abundant opportunities for recognition when we get to heaven.
In our rush to be the biggest and best – or to gain recognition and accolades – we often lose sight of what is truly important. Jesus called us to serve to others in His name…to bless them and glorify Him - not to draw attention to ourselves. How well are you doing with this? Are you willing to do the work and remain completely in the background? Can you serve God without telling a single soul what you have done? Can you quit worrying about what other people might think or how impressive your discipleship and ministry efforts appear to others…and concentrate on the tasks at hand? And can you start today?
©2016 Debbie Robus
“Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding.
When you do something for someone else, don’t call attention to yourself. You’ve seen them in action, I’m sure—‘playactors’ I call them—treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that’s all they get. When you help someone out, don’t think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Whenever I read this scripture passage, I cannot help but think of a handful of ladies (and a few men) who have greatly influenced my life. Some are in heaven now, while others are still “getting it done” every day. They “fly under the radar” with their deeds…and many never know how much these folks do for other people. But I assure you, the recipients of their acts of servitude take notice!
I would name these people, but those who are still with us would be embarrassed to be recognized…which is really the point! They don’t prepare and deliver meals, visit nursing homes and shut-ins, taxi those who cannot drive to a variety of appointments and events, serve in a myriad of positions at their churches, and so much more so that we can applaud their efforts and make a big deal of it! They do this because they understand what it is to minister in the name of Jesus…to see needs and meet them without any fanfare or fame.
The “reward” is knowledge that God is pleased…that He sees their efforts – and believe me, He DOES! They have done what they could to honor the sacrifices made on their behalf by God as He gave us Jesus to teach us how to live…and to die for our sins.
It concerns me that the next generation(s) might not understand the concept of humble, quiet service that requires no recognition. We’ve made so much of our Christian faith and worship a spectacle and performance. There is competition (sometimes not so subtle) to see who can be the “best”. Church has become something of a “numbers game.” We want the biggest state-of-the-art buildings…the most members…the best musicians…impressive programs for all age groups, and more Bible studies and “activities” than any other body of believers. I cannot imagine that this truly pleases God.
There is a song that says, “We don’t need another hero,” and this is what Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:1-4. He is the hero…pure and simple…and we only need the One! Jesus needs us to be humble servants - dedicated workers who get the work done to build the Kingdom of Heaven. There will be plenty of blessings along the way for those who minister obediently and quietly…and abundant opportunities for recognition when we get to heaven.
In our rush to be the biggest and best – or to gain recognition and accolades – we often lose sight of what is truly important. Jesus called us to serve to others in His name…to bless them and glorify Him - not to draw attention to ourselves. How well are you doing with this? Are you willing to do the work and remain completely in the background? Can you serve God without telling a single soul what you have done? Can you quit worrying about what other people might think or how impressive your discipleship and ministry efforts appear to others…and concentrate on the tasks at hand? And can you start today?
©2016 Debbie Robus
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