LET THE PRAISES RING

"Watch out! Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others for you will lose the reward from your Father in Heaven. When you give to someone in need, don't do as the hypocrites do--blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you." Matthew 6:1-4

This reminder stays close to my heart because God has given me very visible kinds of gifts, talents, desires and abilities. And I must keep my motives intact remembering that I am to serve Him with all that he has given me.

For example, as a writer, I desire more than anything to publish a book--something most writers aspire to, I believe. So, I ask myself why it is so important for that to happen. There are times that I daydream about having my name known, and then there are times the idea overwhelms me. But, then I am reeled in again by the overwhelming desire to write not just to see my words in print, but, that those words would serve to heal the pain in someone else's life. So that I might know that the pain I faced was used for the good of another. And then I know that my desire is to have the praise of God instead of man.

But, even those people whom God has given the ability to serve in a quiet manner must keep their motives in check as well. A person can sit in the nursery or serve in the hospitality ministry never being seen by the entire world and use her service to feel as if she is fulfilling her duty--self praise--instead of serving her God.

The key is not to do everything secretly. The key is to do it with a humble attitude. Remember that our gifts, talents, abilities, desires and experiences should point back to God. And it is He who will see and reward.