“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. ” Matthew 6:1-4 (CSB)
These verses hit me hard, just like the tree I ran into earlier. Not only are people selfish, but that they already have their reward. Their reward is only found on earth and let me tell you, it does not feel like a reward, but a slap in the face. Matthew 6:1-18 describes how to be humble, kind-hearted, living a Godly life for God and not for others.
“So whenever you give to the poor, don’t sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be applauded by people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward.” (Mt. 6:2 CSB).
This is a prime example of our culture today. We do something to get applause from others on earth, not our Heavenly Father. We strive every day to get a certain amount of likes or followers or we get specific gear to be seen as “cool” or “good at snowboarding or skiing.” But our Father says to be a light on the hill, to be disciples and take in younger people to pour into/mentor, and to point his sons and daughters back to Him. So, “don’t be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask him.” (Mt. 6:8)
How many times have we wanted to be socially accepted and applauded for what we did? Too many to count. Making disciples or leaders starts with us. Let God refine you like gold until he sees his own image in you. Ask God to show you who has their reward on earth and who look towards their peers for identity. If we practice receiving our recognition from the Father, we can then minister to the lost sons and daughters who want to be socially accepted. We can model what it looks like to be proud of who we are because God created us with a great and holy purpose–not because of human affirmation. Making disciples or leaders starts with us. Realign yourself with Our Father to pour into your neighbors.
I challenge you to ask the Lord to show you where you seek reward. Don’t be afraid to let him make you uncomfy because that’s where the real growing and discipleship making starts.
CHALLENGE
Are you doing anything in your life for others to see? So that maybe you get applauded or praised for what you did or said?
Do you feel as if you already have your “reward”? If so, what is your reward?
Do you believe that you are made for a great and holy purpose?
By Peyton Malone | Washington, USA