A male mockingbird will sing, flutter, and jump up and down to draw female birds' attention when searching for a mate; God created them to function this way. People sometimes act like that mockingbird, drawing attention to themselves, but for selfish reasons. They do whatever it takes for someone, anyone, to notice their noble, sacrificial deeds, striving for the spotlight. Life is all about them. But Jesus taught His disciples and us, "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them; otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 6:1).
Jesus continued this lesson (for us too) by saying, when you give offerings, help others, do good deeds, fast, pray, or whatever you do, if you do it for recognition, your reward will be here on earth only. But our Father, who sees everything in secret, rewards us openly (vs. 4, 6, 18) when we serve Him with a right heart. Which would you prefer? Applause from entertaining an audience here or God's blessings and a "Well done, good and faithful servant" when you reach your heavenly home?
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts.