Secret Acts of Kindness

"Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly." Words of Jesus, Matthew 6:1-4

We all know at least one person in our lives who like to let us know what wonderful acts of kindness they've done for someone during the week.  They like to mention a task, a sacrifice, or maybe a work that they have done on behalf of the church, or a church member.  In fact, as I write these words, I'm sure a person instantly comes to your mind. A person who fits this very description to a T; perhaps it's even you?  Me?

I confess, when I was a new convert in Christ, I liked to let others know what I was doing for other people and for the Lord.  It felt good to get a nice pat on the back, recognition, words spoken that said, 'Well done!' or 'Thank You!'

But as I grew in my faith, I realized that by letting others know all about my 'good works,' I was losing my Heavenly Rewards.  You see, when I was recognized by man, that's exactly all that it was, Man's Applause.  As my faith began to grow, my motives began to change.  My desire to be kind to others was simply a desire to be kind to others!  

In fact, the less people know about my acts of kindness, the better!  

I've learned that I'd rather be rewarded by my Heavenly Father with Eternal Treasures, than to be rewarded by man with carnal accolades.  

I've learned that when I am kind to others secretly...

    God gets all the glory...

           Because He is Worthy...

                But that's just me!

Apples of Gold

Compiled by Jo Petty

Published by The C.R. Gibson Company

"I did a favor yesterday,

A kindly little deed...

And then I called to all the world,

To stop and look and heed.

They stopped and looked and flattered me,

In words I could not trust,

And when the world had gone away,

My good deed turned to dust.

A very tiny courtesy,

I found to do today;

'Twas quickly done, with none to see,

And then I ran away...

But Someone must have witnessed it,

For-truly I declare-

As I sped back the stony path,

Roses were blooming there!