With all we are

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. (Matthew 6:1-4)

Have you ever noticed that you could serve and not be noticed for your service? Sometimes it is possible that those who serve the most are acknowledged the least. There is nothing wrong with this, though. In fact, we may serve well, never being 'celebrated' for our service, and almost feel that others see what we do as 'expected'. The things we do over and over again, with consistency of heart and spirit, may not always be outwardly appreciated. If you have been feeling like others are taking your service for granted, don't stop! Be as trustworthy as you have always been - Jesus knows you are serving faithfully!

The most important thing we can do is be consistent in our walk with Jesus. That leads to consistent service to others. It is a natural outflow of our relationship with Jesus. Sometimes people think what is 'seen' is the most significant part of life, but what is 'unseen' is more significant to Jesus. We serve, not to receive the accolades of others, but because Jesus asks us to love and serve one another out of that love. When we are consistent in our service, even when there seems to be no 'outward' reward, there is a far greater reward awaiting us at the feet of Jesus.

God sees our motives - others just see our service. He sees our consistency - our integrity. We may never hear those words of appreciation we crave, but we need to remember God's grace and love are 'felt', not just 'heard'. We aren't being taken for granted, my friends. We are being consistent, acting in integrity, loving as Jesus called us to love others. The greatest reward and blessing are oftentimes not what others lavish upon us, but what we find at the feet of our dear Savior. Serve with all you are and watch Jesus love with all he is. Just sayin!