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by Buzz Dahlen It’s only natural to want credit for a job well done. It’s human to want to be compensated for a days work. It’s understandable to want to hear “atta boy” or “good job” when you have accomplished something. It seems normal to expect a “thank you” when you have done someone a service. However, with God it is a little different. "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, 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 men. I tell you the truth, 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 What is Jesus saying? When you do something, you should be doing it for God’s glory and pleasure and not for man’s acceptance and appreciation. God sees our heart, He knows our motives, He wants to bless us and reward us for our choices and actions. When we seek and settle for the temporary pat on the back, we miss out on the eternal blessings and rewards. This principle can and should be applied in all aspects of our life. Jesus also said; "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 Most of the challenge that keeps us from having this attitude comes from our lack of trust and faith in God. Most people see God as demanding and over bearing. They see God as one who is watching us only to catch us in our failings. However, God is not like that at all. He wants to care for us and give to us all that we need. Unfortunately, we don’t always look to Him to supply our needs. Jesus continues; So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:31-34 How about on the job? What should our attitude be? Well Paul speaks to this situation in his letter to the Colossians. He uses the word “slaves” Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 3:22-24 You may feel like a slave at your place of work and so this scripture may hit more close to home, but regardless of how you feel, the message is clear, we work for God and not for man. One thing I am confident about, if you work “with all of your heart, as working for the Lord” your boss will be happy with your work… So, what’s the point? We don’t always get the pat we think we deserve while we are here on earth. However, if we are doing everything for God, we’ll get that pat on the back in time. More than anything else I want to hear my master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' Matthew 25:21 Now that’s an atta boy! |
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