Today’s Reading: Matthew Ch. 6
The Sermon on the Mount
What motivates you? This isn’t a rhetorical question for which I’ve already prepared an answer. I’m actually asking. Take a moment and really think about your answer. Then compare what you’ve said with your actions as you read on.
In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus discusses giving to the needy, praying, fasting, and investing our time. He isn’t talking about whether or not to do these things; for the Jesus-follower, that’s a given. He is talking more about WHY we do those things.
We had a hardworking volunteer at one of the churches we used to attend. He was at every event early and always stayed late. He had a reputation for being a hard worker and a giving person. Many people didn’t hear the grumbling that I did, though. He wasn’t thanked enough; he wasn’t recognized enough; he wasn’t compensated. And perhaps he wasn’t! His brothers and sisters in Christ could have done a better job of showing him appreciation.
But…
His grumblings showed me what motivated him. He was doing all he did for the recognition.
So when you make offerings to the Lord, do it secretly.
Make your financial contributions secret.
Make your gifts to the needy secret.
Keep it so quiet that you “do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (vs. 3).
Do your volunteer work quietly and joyfully.
Pray simply and sincerely, not for the applause of men.
Fast in such a way that people can’t even tell.
Work in such a way that you are motivated by a heavenly return, not an earthly one.
When it’s obvious that we want the applause of men, we lose some credibility and probably some respect. We also invite a lot of temptation, confusion, and deception. Think of the subsequent and related sins that can come from doing good works for others to see…
We want the recognition because of our pride. We harbor bitterness when we don’t get it. We become competitive and covetous when others do. That jealousy may lead to resentment and arguing. And in none of this do we have any satisfaction in the Lord.
When a sincere servant is given the responsibility of a wider audience, I believe that’s God’s favor.
When an ambitious preacher seeks to be famous, I believe God opposes him.
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Proverbs 3:34
So again, what motivates you? Recognition? Applause? Money? Influence and power? Comfort?
When any of these factors are at play, our offerings to the Lord are no longer a living sacrifice to Him and for Him.
When these factors are at play, we are using religion for our own glory.
Oof. That one stings.
The teachers of the Law received community respect, and therefore have received their reward.
The celebrity pastor with the mansion has received his reward.
The major donor who demanded the plaque on the wall has received his reward.
If only God can see the work you’re doing for Him, then your reward will come from Him. And bonus!- you will be given joy and peace in all the work you do, because the work doesn’t depend on anything but your willingness.
Lord, after reading this, I can already tell that I’m going to scrutinize the work that other people are doing. Keep my focus on our relationship and on my own heart. It is so easy for me to desire more recognition than Yours alone. If you call me to a visible ministry, keep my heart in check. If you call me to a background ministry, keep my heart in check. And in all things, may I only ever want the glory to go to You!! Amen.