Pam Padgett ... teacher
Receiving praise and admiration from those around us is something the
flesh desires. There are temptations to do works and actions in such a
way that they will be seen by others. But Jesus told us this is what
hypocrites do ... doing works that appear to be "good", while really
seeking to advance themselves among men. And the glory of man is the only reward
to be gained by doing this.
Jesus taught us to do the opposite, to not try to be seen by others when
we give alms, or pray, or fast.
Quietly and simply going about what we are led of the Holy Spirit to do, that we might please our heavenly Father. Although other people will not know what we have done, our Father sees
all things, even those things done in secret. When we act according to the will of God, HE will reward openly.
Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of
them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2
Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before
thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that
they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their
reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy
right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father
which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
Matthew 6:5
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for
they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the
streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have
their reward. 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and
when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and
thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Matthew
6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad
countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto
men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17 But thou,
when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 That thou
appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and
thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
Glory of man is fleeting, quickly forgotten. Rewards from God will not be forgotten by Him, and are of great value.