To
be seen or not be seen? That is the question --In His Word 9-21-15
When
we do a special deed or bless someone with a financial gift, or
something that will make their life better are we supposed to allow
people to tell about our great work? Or are we to be humble and not
receive the praise for a job well done?
My
Bible tells me that if all I want is men's praise that is all I will
get.
Look
at the Pharisees and what they received...
“Moreover,
when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance.
For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be
fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But
you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,
Matthew
6:15-17
In
the Word of God we read that we are not to be seen as suffering when
we fast and pray, but to go around like normal on the outside. We
are also told to let our lights shine before men, and not much
further in the scriptures does Jesus say not to do your works before
men to be seen of them.
“Take
heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen
by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heave
Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet
before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets,
that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have
their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left
hand know what your right hand is doing, Matthew 6:1-3
So
what are we to do; be seen or not be seen? That is the question I
choose to address today.
“You are the light of
the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.
No one lights a lamp and
then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand,
where it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see,
so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Matthew
5:14-16
In
today's multimedia time frame things can get 'out there' quite
quickly and suddenly everyone can be in an uproar because someone
took credit for someone else's glory.
I
often wonder how God feels when we humans take credit for things He
has done?
I
mean, in the following scriptures we are plainly told that God is to
get the glory, not us; yet we continually hear people saying 'look at
me' I did this great thing. The same people will turn around and tell
us to be quiet about boasting. Paul said that if he were to boast he
would hope it were only in God's goodness not in himself because he
knew where everything he did came from. We need to know and remind
ourselves often that it is not about us, it is about God and His
glory , His praise! I am not saying do not encourage one another
unto good works, because we are to do good things for His glory.
So
as I see it we are to do good things that point the arrow of praise
to the Father who made both us and the thing that we are doing
possible. If we did not have God to direct us to the thing in the
first place, or to give us the skills or gifts to be able to share
them then we would have no reason to boast. When we think about it
boasting is overrated anyway. When we receive praise for a job well
done how long does that glory last? They say your time in limelight
is limited so this tells me that it is short timed. Whereas when we
are praised by God it will be eternal!
I
would much rather know that I am pleasing my God than mere people,
though there are times when I feel the need to be appreciated. I
believe as people created in God's image we are born with a need to
be encouraged that what we are doing is right and good. There is
nothing wrong in this as long as we do not forget where our abilities
came from in the first place.
Its
okay to know we are doing good in the Lord, just as long as we do not
allow the praise to stop short with us but goes on to the Lord.
For
instance, a group of church workers worked hard to get an event
started; they planned, they purchased needed supplies and they
presented the event to the people they invited to come. They even
brought in someone to share testimony of the goodness of God in his
life.
Everyone
who came grew closer to God because of the Word that was given and
the worship time drew them into a deeper relationship with Jesus as
Lord of their life.
So
who would get the praise? Would it be the event planners or the
speaker/preacher?
I
say neither should get the praise, but rather thankfulness for
bringing the Word to our ears. I think the planners do a lot and
though they do not do it to be noticed, we hope, they are instruments
of worship few the One True God, the maker of the heavens and earth!
No matter if you speak the Gospel or you change the toilet paper when
you are all working together for the good of the Lord you are all
worthy of appreciation and God will give it where He thinks it is
due. But it is not for us to get the glory, but for Him.
Not
to us, Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your
unfailing love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1
So
let us be grateful to God, give Him the praise for a job well done
but let us give the people who bring it to us blessings and
thankfulness. Thank someone who brought you the Word of God today, or
brought you a word of encouragement from the heart. Let them know
you are thankful, but give God the glory for the things He has done.
Dear
heavenly Father, thank you for bringing your Word into our lives.
Show us what to do with it! Give us someone to share with, or to
encourage in Your love today, in Jesus name. Amen
Suggested
Reading: Psalm 115:1-18, Matthew 5:1-48, Matthew 6 :1-34 and Romans
15:1-33