It was as plain as day when I got to chapter six (Matthew 5:43-6:15). That first verse you just can't ignore: "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven."
Oh my! How many times has that little voice spoken up that says, "What will so and so think about this?" "What will that group think if you do that?" "Will these words sound good to so and so?"
What a thief that voice is! How many eternal rewards are stolen by worrying about and being swayed by other's approval and applause?
The good news is that I am learning to desire my Father's applause, and He "who sees what is done in secret will reward you." As we focus on Him, the power of the opinions of others diminishes. And in our honest, simple, quiet obedience, we begin to sense His grace. That grace is the start of the Father's rewards - priceless.
What a thief that voice is! How many eternal rewards are stolen by worrying about and being swayed by other's approval and applause?
The good news is that I am learning to desire my Father's applause, and He "who sees what is done in secret will reward you." As we focus on Him, the power of the opinions of others diminishes. And in our honest, simple, quiet obedience, we begin to sense His grace. That grace is the start of the Father's rewards - priceless.
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