"A SERVANT'S HEART"
Well done, my good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord." (Matthew 25:21 & 23)
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warned against performing righteous acts for the purpose of public recognition. He cited three examples: almsgiving, praying, and fasting. In each, he contrasted the conduct of hypocrites with what he expects of his followers. On the subject of giving, he said, "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."
Our society lavishes public praise on people for all manner of reasons. When accolades recognize humanitarian works, they are usually reserved for the rich and influential or well-known celebrities. Occasionally their contributions involve hands-on work and commitment. More often it is a lending of their name and personae. When publicity is the motivation, Jesus warns that public praise is the extent of the reward they will receive.
On the other hand, there are millions in our country whose sacrifice is widely ignored. They are the quiet followers of Christ who see a person struggling and don't turn away. Day after day, they devote time and resources to those in need, lending support until the crosswinds die down. Sometimes the support is financial. More often it is emotional or spiritual. Seeking no recognition, these quiet followers serve inconspicuously, dutifully, and generously.
Few people ever see their quiet service, but Jesus promised that it does not go unnoticed. "Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." God's reward is not ten minutes of fame or recognition at a lavish banquet. Instead it is a warm expression of his approval, a consciousness of heart heard in secret. "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord."
We all know people whose humble service touches lives. Names come easily to mind. If someone reflected with gratitude on the quiet followers they know, would your name and mine come to mind?
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warned against performing righteous acts for the purpose of public recognition. He cited three examples: almsgiving, praying, and fasting. In each, he contrasted the conduct of hypocrites with what he expects of his followers. On the subject of giving, he said, "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."
Our society lavishes public praise on people for all manner of reasons. When accolades recognize humanitarian works, they are usually reserved for the rich and influential or well-known celebrities. Occasionally their contributions involve hands-on work and commitment. More often it is a lending of their name and personae. When publicity is the motivation, Jesus warns that public praise is the extent of the reward they will receive.
On the other hand, there are millions in our country whose sacrifice is widely ignored. They are the quiet followers of Christ who see a person struggling and don't turn away. Day after day, they devote time and resources to those in need, lending support until the crosswinds die down. Sometimes the support is financial. More often it is emotional or spiritual. Seeking no recognition, these quiet followers serve inconspicuously, dutifully, and generously.
Few people ever see their quiet service, but Jesus promised that it does not go unnoticed. "Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." God's reward is not ten minutes of fame or recognition at a lavish banquet. Instead it is a warm expression of his approval, a consciousness of heart heard in secret. "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord."
We all know people whose humble service touches lives. Names come easily to mind. If someone reflected with gratitude on the quiet followers they know, would your name and mine come to mind?
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