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November 13th - 19th
Our focus this month is thankfulness and the memories of times past can remind each of us how blessed we truly are; however, whether we take the time to thank the Lord, from Whom all blessings flow, or not is another issue. Often, we take with both hands the blessings that the Lord gives us because we believe that we “deserve” them. We feel we are due them because we have helped a co-worker with a difficult project; we have given a friend a ride to their work place; we have gone out of our way to be kind to someone with whom we do not particularly care to work; we have shown our spirituality by accepting someone of another faith; or, if we are the employer, we have given our employee the chance they needed to get promoted not stopping to consider their abilities, only our sacrifice.
God is indeed pleased with our good deeds and He does reward the faithful. The question is what is our heart attitude when we sacrifice ourselves to do those good deeds? Do we later grumble or complain about them? We certainly wouldn’t tell a colleague or friend how we helped somebody out just so we could sing our own praises! God’s Word tell us in Matthew 20: 40: “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.” (KJV) The Bible also cautions us in Matthew 6:1 “Take heed that ye do not your alms before me, to be seen of them; otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in Heaven.” (KJV)
God knows our hearts and the reasons behind what we do. Let us spend time with Him and ask the Lord to purify our hearts. Oh, that He might search them and show us if there are any wicked ways hidden within. Are we truly thankful for the opportunities that the Lord gives us to serve Him by serving others, or do we expect to be rewarded just because we have done a good deed?
Bible Principle: Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23 (KJV)
Additional references: Colossians 3:22-24: “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: or ye serve the Lord Christ.:
Colossians 4:1 “Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in Heaven.” (KJV)
Romans 12:11 “Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”
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