I believe this is a topic that I come across on a regular basis in my study. Maybe it is me in that I have to be constantly reminded that my reward is in heaven and not in this world, or it could be that it is such a vital topic that I have to continue to review. Seeking to do that which is in the interest of God and using Him as the example is the approach I should be taking each day. It is really easy to want the glory and be greedy as when I review things around me, I feel as though I am doing the work of God and others should be recognizing it and calling it out.
“5For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. 6Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.” — 1 Thessalonians 2:5-6 (ESV)
In this passage, Paul is reminding the church at Thessalonica that when he, Timothy, and Silvanus came to witness to them they came only to do the work of God and did not “require” anything of the people. Paul and team did not ask for to be placed on a pedestal are provided with any monetary gain in order to come. And when they arrived they did not proceed to require anything either. All they were interested in was bringing the gospel to the people. And as you look at the last part of verse six above, they could have based on their station in the name of Christ.
There is a time and a place for everything. I have to remember that I am here to “do God” and not to have gains in this world. In the mornings I use the Lord’s Prayer as an outline in my prayer and when you look at that example, we should open with glory to God and then thanks for provision. Beyond that what we ask for are ways to get by (more provision) and bring glory to God through our actions, repentance, and forgiveness. Nowhere are we asking for God to give us wealth, status, or any other of those societal desires.
“9Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11Give us this day our daily bread, 12and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’” — Matthew 6:9-13 (ESV)
All of what I do should be to “do God” and not do me. I am a servant of God and He will provide that which I need to bring glory to him. I “need” no more than He provides and should not be seeking it out.
What is there that you have been searching for either before you go or when you arrive? Are you looking for that which brings you something here in this world and are you looking for more? What if you simply sought to “do God” and allowed Him to provide all that you are needing in this world, knowing that your reward is really in heaven?
Trevor's Thoughts 