If you have every read the book "The Five Love Languages" and you know me, you know that one of my top love languages is words of affirmation. When I do something, I like to be told what a good job I have done. It is nice to get that pat on the back.
Matthew chapter 6, verses 1-4, really challenges a "words of affirmation" guy like me. Here, Jesus is talking about giving to the needy. He says that when you give to someone that is in need, you shouldn't announce it to the world. If you do announce it to the world, that is your reward. That pat on the back you receive will be all that you get. But, if we give purely out of love and a desire to help, with no need of acknowledgement, our reward will come from God.
As I think about the things I have done to further God's Kingdom, by giving of myself, I am hard pressed to think of too many times that I haven't got some sort of acknowledgement. Whether it be from the person on the receiving end or someone else praising me for what I have done, there has always been some sort of "pat on the back". For a "words of affirmation" guy, that is great to hear, but that is not what God calls us to do. He calls us to give of ourselves without any hope of acknowledgement from this world.
For me, not getting some sort of acknowledgement may be difficult. But, as Jesus has said, my reward from God will far surpass that pat on the back.
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2 comments:
I think parenting is a good model for what you are saying. As you know, little children have no concept of the many things you as a parent willing sacrifice and do for them. The results count more than the words of affirmation. Seeing their pleasure and well being is thanks enough. Sometimes, as kids grow older, there is not only a lack of thanks, but outright negative attitudes. Nevertheless, the outcome is what counts. Seeing kids turn into responsible, mature people is a great reward.
Mim, I never really thought about parenting that way, but you are right. I know for me, my parents give of themselves with very little acknowledgment from me to thank them for all that they do. To this day, they still would do anything for me and my family. I try to thank them, but I know that they don't do anything because of the hopes of getting a thanks, but rather out of love.
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