There are those in sports noted as “glory hogs” because rather than being a team player, they hog the ball and seek to draw all the attention to themselves. Though they may personally break records, such action often works to the detriment of the team (not winning many games) and leads to the consternation of the coach and harm to his reputation. Also, in the business world there are those who seek to gain the accolades, attention and praise for themselves even at the expense of others. Even in the spiritual realm are those who seek the glory of humanity over the glory that ought to be sought from God (i.e. John 12:43) to their own detriment.
Someone has said, “Good deeds should be done with intention, not for attention.” (original source unknown)
What marks our own attitude? What is the purpose behind our own life actions? What most are we desiring? As we live on purpose, for what purpose are we engaging in service?
Remember how Jesus addressed this where we read. . .
“(1)Beware 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. (2) 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. (3) But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, (4) so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:1-4 ESV)
It is not that being seen automatically negates the reward, but that if the goal is to be seen and that goal is accomplished, why expect anything else? However, if the purpose behind our actions is to glorify God while meeting the need whether there be a thankful response or not, the giving or serving will not — according to Jesus — go without its reward from above. Therefore, understanding God knows the intentions of our heart, may our intention be for Divine, not human attention!
Have a great day LIVING FOR THE PURPOSE OF GLORIFYING GOD!
Carl
