A wise man once walked down the isle of a typical church, tears streaming down. He was distraught over seeing pew after pew with little plaques proudly displaying "donated by Mr and Mrs Jones". Name after name. Why distraught? Because he realized that those name may well have their only reward in that plaque! They traded a earthly reward in place of a heavenly reward.
Jesus warns us of such. Seeking fame, recognition, reward of any kind for our good deeds, becomes the end of that reward.when a name is praised on Earth, it may be unknown in heaven. How sad!
This isn't to say that we should limit our good deeds, but it says we need to look deep in our in hearts. Ask ourself, ask God "why" we do those deeds. The "why" is always more important than the"what". If the answer of why involves thanks, recognition, fame, reward of any sort, we missed it.
Our motivation for good works must by compassion, desire to help, love for others. Our motivation should be always to please God, not man. We do what we do because we want, desire, crave the blessings of our father being pleased.
Store up rewards in heaven, by being silent in our deeds. Don't draw attention to yourself. Resist seeing your name in lights, on a plaque. How much better to let Jesus get the glory! He alone deserves it.
Jesus warns us of such. Seeking fame, recognition, reward of any kind for our good deeds, becomes the end of that reward.when a name is praised on Earth, it may be unknown in heaven. How sad!
This isn't to say that we should limit our good deeds, but it says we need to look deep in our in hearts. Ask ourself, ask God "why" we do those deeds. The "why" is always more important than the"what". If the answer of why involves thanks, recognition, fame, reward of any sort, we missed it.
Our motivation for good works must by compassion, desire to help, love for others. Our motivation should be always to please God, not man. We do what we do because we want, desire, crave the blessings of our father being pleased.
Store up rewards in heaven, by being silent in our deeds. Don't draw attention to yourself. Resist seeing your name in lights, on a plaque. How much better to let Jesus get the glory! He alone deserves it.
