Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 25, 2016
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. Matthew 6:1
Millions of Jesus followers practice their righteousness behind the scenes in the shadows of success. No one near to admire their good work, no one to esteem them—only the wonderful satisfaction of knowing their Savior is pleased with their service. Similar to plant life that dies for lack of sun light, so pride shrivels when out of the lime light of success. Anonymous achievements deny ego and gain access to heaven’s rewards unrecognized by man, but recognized by God.
Jesus describes an insecure Christian whose need for approval and admiration from people drives them to do acts of kindness for self fulfillment. To be seen as spiritual on the outside was more important than being spiritual on the inside—religious hypocrisy seems more unsettling, because there is a direct violation of an agreed upon ethical code. Refreshingly, a remedy for pretentious behavior is faithful service, expecting nothing in return. Regret for not receiving our heavenly Father’s reward and missing His words of “well done” motivate our anonymous achievements.
“For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord” (Romans 14:7-8).
Be encouraged if your acts of service are not seen by the masses, as your Master Jesus is a keen observer of your investment in the “little things”. Little things are big things from God’s vantage point. Your constant care of a special needs person is very special to your Savior—it’s a big deal for you to love unselfishly. Sitting day after day by the sick bed of a loved one is huge in heaven. Walking with a neighbor who needs a hopeful word, taking a friend to lunch expecting nothing in return and attending church not to be seen, but to see God—are all sound heavenly investments.
Consider anonymous gifts through the National Christian Foundation—a simple way to quietly and effectively give to Kingdom opportunities. Maybe you skip a meal twice a week and use the extra time to feed your soul with scripture memory, listening to prayer or enjoying a good book. Achievements that matter the most come to those who make the most of their free time—not wasted on the world—but invested in the next world. No worries over who gets credit—sends credits ahead to heaven. Spiritual anonymity is your opportunity for intimacy with the Almighty.
“Don’t be cheated out of the prize by others who are peddling the worship of heavenly beings and false humility. People like this run about telling whoever will listen what they claim to have seen; but in reality they testify only to an inflated mind, saturated in conceit—not in the Spirit” (Colossians 2:18, The Voice).
Prayer
Dear Lord, use me to serve unnoticed by others, but recognized and rewarded by You.Application
Who needs my anonymous gift or act of kindness?Related Reading
Mark 10:45; John 13:35; Romans 16:18; Colossians 3:23; Philippians 1:20Post/Tweet today
Spiritual anonymity is your opportunity for intimacy with the Almighty. #wisdomhunters #anonymousachievementsWorship Resource
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