Where is Our Reward?

We (me included) seem to have a human need to get recognition for the things we do. What we do in church is no exception.

I learned in politics that to build a campaign organization, heaping praise and creating titles is vital.

Charities also take advantage of this need to be recognized too. For example, we give to many charities. Most now will send a certificate of appreciation that can be framed and hung on the wall. I even suggested to my wife that she do this. :)

Don't get me wrong. I don't blame organizations for recognizing those who help.

Considering this myself, Mathew 6-1-4 and related scriptures came to mind.

1 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.
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. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (NIV)

The next time I write (or not write) a check for an organization, as a professed believer, I need to consider Scripture. That applies to volunteering my time too.

For more information on this, check the following link out. It includes Bible verses similar to Mathew 6:1-4.

http://bible.cc/matthew/6-4.htm