When is it that we receive reward for our work? I am sure that you would agree that receiving reward is shortly after the work. Whether that is in payment or benefit or even in award, as man we take action to see return of some kind. We are quite proud of the work we do, in fact, we like to call attention to ourselves as we work to ensure that everyone can recognize us for it. And we should be. Although who is the work for, us or for those who are in need.
When it comes to helping out with the needs of others, we should be a bit more quiet. I am not saying that we should hide our work and ensure that we are always in the shadows. That really does not work either, as we will miss opportunities to do good in the interest of anonymity. We should feel good about doing work and bringing some assistance to others. Yet we have to be careful of our motives in the process of giving to the needy.
“1Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.” – Matthew 6:1-2 (ESV)
Here we see that Jesus is warning against the open display of and attention bringing to our work in the helping of others. He shows us that those who actively make it a point to draw attention to themselves are receiving their reward at that time. People seeing them doing the work is the reward. They have made it a point for everyone to know the work they have done and in so doing have been rewarded. They may receive some acknowledgment or award in the public square in the moment. They have received their reward.
“3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” – Matthew 6:3-4 (ESV)
Now look to what Jesus says about how we should do our work for the needy. We should just do the work and not make a spectacle. We should be those who just do the work. When volunteering at the food bank, just go and do. When the neighbor needs some assistance with the yard work, just bring your mower and trimmer and help out. When someone is struggling with replacing the battery in their vehicle, offer up your tools for them to use and bring your hands to assist. There is no need to call things out on social media. There is no reason to call the papers. We don’t point out the work done in the company of others. We are to just do the work to help those in need.
I look at my giving and see that I just do the work without fanfare. Our church is a plant and we currently meet on Sundays in a school. This means that we have to set up and tear down the space each Sunday. We have been doing so for six years and in that time, I have been a part of the group that tears down for all six years. In fact, beyond our pastor, I believe that I may be the only one who has given to the church this way for the entire time. I don’t ask for anything or draw attention to myself at all, I just do the work that I am asked to take on as part of my duty. I know that God sees the work I am doing and He will reward me in due time.
Jesus points that out our reward in verse four above. God will reward us for the work, as He has seen us. We may not get a public announcement. We may not receive a plaque from the community. Others may not even see us, but God does. He knows how we are bringing relief to others. He knows the work we take on. He knows our value and He will reward that in due time. Our reward is from the LORD and not from man. Our reward is received in the work performed and from the LORD.
Again, as a man I have this innate desire to be recognized for what I have done. I don’t think that there is anything wrong with that, otherwise why do the work. The thing is, who am I seeking recognition from. I have to remember that I am only passing through this world on my way to heaven when the LORD calls me home. I am to look to Him for my reward and not be concerned with the recognition from man. My reward is received from the LORD.
Where are you receiving your reward? Are you seeking recognition in the now for the work you do from the public space? What if you were to just do the work the LORD has for you knowing that your reward is received from Him?
