Feb 15

“Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness…” Proverbs 20:6

There is a general tendency for humans to want to be seen, noticed, appreciated and even praised when doing acts of benevolence or generally ‘good things’. Certainly in a world which majors on wrong doing and wickedness, any act of compassion, kindness and care, should be thoroughly appreciated. Genuine humility in doing ‘right’, and letting that be a reward in and of itself, is difficult to find. When from time to time this quality still surfaces, it is noticeable and thus a rare and precious commodity indeed! For the most, even when ‘good things’ are done among humans, it is usually with all the due credit giving and taking, and the fanfare, which leaves no doubt as to whom the ‘benefactor’ is. Jesus in the Gospels, taught His disciples the correct attitude in giving, when He showed the difference between the trumpet-blaring-attention-seeking of the hypocrite, and the faithfulness of the giver who does so ‘in secret’, as unto the Lord.  Faithfulness to God at this level is hard to find. There are that will give, but not without due credit, and sadly ‘giving’ even among believers, has become a means of personal positioning or credit taking. When we do ‘good’, it should be for Christians, a natural reaction to reflect all the glory and the praise to the Lord. We know without doubt that any goodness that can be found in us or from us, doesn’t belong to us, but comes from the Lord, and that it is to Him the praise and thanks should be given. We might summarise our correct position on this matter in this way: Firstly, let us to all the good we can possibly do with all our heart, strength, passion and resources. Secondly, let us say nothing of the good we might have done, but quietly and prayerfully thank the Lord for the opportunity and privilege to be used in this manner. Thirdly, in spite of our intentional lack of self-proclamation, should anyone notice and desire to acknowledge us in any manner, let us then remember that our reward is in heaven, and that the glory, praise and credit for all we are and have, belongs unto the Lord! Lastly, let us always analyse our reasons and motives in doing ‘good’. We should ensure that they are never tainted with cravings for the appreciation and accolades of man, false humility, or other egotistical motivations, but rather filled only with a passion to love, serve, please and glorify God!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion