Look What I Did
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. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:2-4
Insight
As I typed today and looked down at my aging hands, I wondered when my hands started looking like my grandmother's. Of course, I remember many things about my grandmother: her stories, watching The Price is Right and Days of Our Lives, and snapping green beans and shelling peas. But, what always sticks with me was her hands wrinkled, with age spots, and some of her fingers bent from arthritis.
I spent most summers with her working in her massive garden, so big that when I was younger, I described it to my friends as a farm. She would get up before daylight and make breakfast for everyone before going out to the field. Then, every week she would freeze part of the crop and give away most of it to our neighbors, sharing what we had.
Those glimpses of my grandma shaped my early years of understanding service. She couldn't drive but would send me around the neighborhood with my bike pulling my wagon. I saw Mrs. Caines's excitement when I handed her that big paper bag of corn, and Mrs. Bowen getting her homemade canned tomatoes. When I returned home, my grandmother would thank me, and it was time for Days of our Lives and watermelon.
She served with her whole heart and never really had the chance to know how appreciated she was, but she never expected a thank you. It was just her heart to love others. She didn't get to see the excitement, but I did. Growing up, I needed to be seen. I don't know if it was an only child kind of situation, or if the abandonment of my parents caused some insecurity, or if it was just my human nature, but if I did something for you - EVERYONE was going to hear about it…..from ME. I took every bit of the glory. After all, who would say "Great Job" unless they knew who to say it to?
Feeling good about something you have done for someone is normal and human. However, serving for attention points away from God and puts the focus on us. So, everything comes down to our motive. Do we do things for others for the attention we receive or for the heart of service, which comes from God, that gets formed in us?
When we serve so that others can see the heart of the Father, it encourages others to trust and depend on a good Father. We serve so those around us would catch a glimpse of Him. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls us to something higher and reminds us that we serve not for the applause but to reflect His heart to the world - we do all things not for the crowd but for an audience of One. The reward isn't the thanks but the transformation. Consistent service over the years leaves a legacy of love. By spending the days of our lives caring for others fueled by joy, we are free to give everything away.
Reflection
Where do you find yourself living for the applause and recognition of others?
How can you invite God to change your heart to serve in a way that honors Him?
Prayer
Dear Father, help us desire to give ourselves away to love, serve others, and point people to you. Redirect our hearts and minds. Teach us to become so aware of our struggle for moments of self-attention and glory that we can grab them and surrender that motivation to You. Thank you for loving us and extending grace even when we fail to honor You. Help us to see that any heart change comes from You. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
Cindy Stauffer, Administrative Assistant at our Wilmington Campus, wrote today's devotional.