Sunday, August 1, 2010

Service: Look At Me!

Last week, I was asked to babysit my two adorable grandchildren. When I arrived, my soon-to-be 3 year old granddaughter ran over to her 4 month old brother who was happily swinging and leaned over him - fully covering him from view - and said, "Now, take a picture of us!" I had to laugh. Had I chosen to take that picture, there would have been only one sweet face - my granddaughter's - proudly expressing a "Look at me" look!

As we grow older, we really don't lose that childlike look at me desire for attention. My granddaughter's actions, while humorous, remind me of how we sometimes approach our service to God and our fellowman. In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus teaches his followers about the hazards of doing their "alms" with the intent of being praised by men rather than God. The religious leaders of the day were guilty of putting on quite a show for all to see when they did their "righteous acts." Their purpose wasn't to serve others and glorify God; they sought the attention and glory for themselves. They were saying loudly and clearly, "Hey, look at me!" Jesus said that these folks earned their reward and would receive no reward from their Father in Heaven.

When we set out to serve God and others, Jesus teaches that we should not "...let your left hand know what your right hand is doing..." (Matthew 6:3). That doesn't mean what we do should result in confusion. It means that when we serve, we do these things as unto the Lord, not for our glory, but for his. We serve others and God not because we want acclaim but because we love God. Our service comes from a heart of obedience and a desire to please the One who serves us.

We have all been in situations where we have done the right thing, and it's gone unnoticed or someone else got the credit. That stings! If it happens often enough, we're inclined to quit doing the right thing. But, we have also had the wonderful experience of doing something for someone and watching or hearing how what we did "in secret" blessed that person. Jesus says that when we serve others in secret, our Father "...who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:4).

Our need to be recognized doesn't surprise God. He knows that we need attention, but he also knows that we need to have our intentions and our purposes be in line with his intentions and purposes. When we decide to be obedient to his direction for us as Christians - (see Luke 10:27; John 13:34-35; John 14:15; 15:14) - we will serve whether or not we are recognized by people. Our prayer should be that we do so without a desire for the spotlight to shine on us but rather that all glory is given to God. 

We may never receive accolades while on earth, but our promise from our heavenly Father is that we will receive rewards in eternity (Matthew 16:27; Matthew 10:42; I Cor. 3:8,14; II Tim. 4:7-8; Rev. 22:12). As we live our faith, may we serve as unto the Lord so that on that day when we see him face to face, we will with the exuberance and joy of a child say, "Look at me!" when we hear our Father say, "Well done!"

"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men..." Ephesians 6:7

Lord, I don't like to admit it, but I have a big ego! I want people to see the good things I do and give me attention for them. Please help me to stay humble, to follow your example, and serve you and others so that you receive the glory and not me. Thank you for understanding the human heart and for patiently working with us to develop in us your ways. Amen.

Eastside Community Church