More than a year before our Presidential elections we are watching those who desire the office pose, promote, and present themselves. The ‘air’ that sustains them is attention. They have to capture headlines, get themselves on the evening news, and make statements that will go viral in social media. It all makes for quite a spectacle, doesn’t it? I wonder if the ‘skill’ of attracting attention will translate into any kind of ability to govern well?
It’s not just politicians that survive on attention. We all can be seduced by the good feelings that accompany applause! To feed that addiction, some grow very skilled at raising a big cloud of dust around themselves. They take on a new project, start another ministry, try a new experience, chase a new ‘strategic’ friendship. They pose, post, and preen; making sure that others only see their best side, their ‘selfies’ carefully edited! But, when you blow away the dust there is not much substance. It’s all for show; their ‘service’ only offered to feed their ego. (That is an oxymoron if there ever was one)
Then there are the quiet ‘doers,’ that work just out of sight. Nobody is writing stories about them, but what beauty they create; sustaining others with steady investment of energies and skills, building lasting relationships, tending the gardens of life. Something is happening that is out of sight, under the surface, that makes them truly effective. Their effectiveness does not emerge from their hunger for attention. It flows from their deep contentment in the center of God’s will, a place of profound humility.
At the heart of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus urges single-minded devotion to God. He tells us that our faith walk must focus on God, that our eyes must always look upward not around. What we do – giving, serving, praying – must never be turned into a public performance, if we desire to be truly effective in the Lord’s work. Do not rush through these words even if they are familiar to you. "When you do good deeds, don’t try to show off. If you do, you won’t get a reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to the poor, don’t blow a loud horn. That’s what show-offs do in the meeting places and on the street corners, because they are always looking for praise. I can assure you that they already have their reward. When you give to the poor, don’t let anyone know about it. Then your gift will be given in secret. Your Father knows what is done in secret, and he will reward you. When you pray, don’t be like those show-offs who love to stand up and pray in the meeting places and on the street corners. They do this just to look good. I can assure you that they already have their reward. When you pray, go into a room alone and close the door. Pray to your Father in private. He knows what is done in private, and he will reward you." (Matthew 6:1-6, CEV)
Recognition is fine and we ought to take note of those who serve well. Jesus is not forbidding praise of those who make our lives better with their gifts! The warning is about making praise and recognition our goal, about chasing applause and approval! “When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don’t make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won’t make you a saint. If you ‘go into training’ inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn’t require attention-getting devices. He won’t overlook what you are doing; he’ll reward you well." (Matthew 6:16-18, The Message)
This week, Christian, as you live the ‘Christ-life’ examine your motives. If you find pride, if you realize you are performing, turn immediately to Jesus and confess this most common human failing. Make no excuse as you confess to Him. As He frees you from slavery to human approval, you will discover an amazing freedom, real and lasting joy in service, and effectiveness that is recorded in eternity!
Here’s a word from the Word. "Serve each other in humility, for “God sets himself against the proud, but he shows favor to the humble.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you." (1 Peter 5:5-6, NLT)
"Live wisely . . ., and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and effective ..." (Colossians 4:5-6, NLT)
___________
I Am Thine O Lord (I Am Thine)
I am Thine, O Lord,
I have heard Thy voice
And it told Thy love to me.
But, I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee.
Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the pow'r of grace divine.
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope
And my will be lost in Thine.
Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died.
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord;
To Thy precious bleeding side.
Fanny Jane Crosby | William Howard Doane
© Words: Public Domain
Jerry D. Scott, Pastor
FAITH DISCOVERY CHURCH
No comments:
Post a Comment