God Knows and That Should be Enough

God Knows and That Should be Enough

As a man, I seek the acknowledgement of other as confirmation that I have done well. I am somehow validated by the words, awards, and/or compliments from others.

“³But when you give to the needy, do not let you left hand know what you right hand is doing, ⁴so that you giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” – Matthew 6:3-4 (ESV)

I read this passage this morning and whereas Jesus is teaching of giving to the needy, I was drawn to use this passage to teach me a lesson.

I will admit that I have been seeking affirmation from those around me to somehow seem more important, and all it is really getting me is more heartache when it does not come. You see, we can seek the appreciation of others to make ourselves look good (publically), but what does that really get us. I need to seek the more important acknowledgement from God (in secret) and not really worry about what others say. I have a lot to offer and should not need the affirmation of those around me to validate that. I should be focused on doing God’s work and allow God to provide my rewards.

We are to obey God. Not for human reward, or for ourselves, but for His reward and for Him. No one needs to know that we are doing for God. When they ultimately do find out what we have done from those that have benefitted from our graciousness, we should be completely shocked at any affirmation that we receive.

Where are your motives? Are you working for yourself or for God? Are you looking to obey and please God or are you out for earthly glory? If God is the only one who knows, shouldn’t that be enough for us?