“And as You speak, a hundred billion creatures catch Your breath, evolving in pursuit of what You said. If it all reveals Your nature, so will I.
I can see Your heart in everything You say, every painted sky, a canvas of Your grace. If creation still obeys You, so will I.”
So Will I by Hillsong United
Who gets the praise when we do good? The answer should be “God.” Let everything be done to the glory of our heavenly father, the one who spoke our world into existance.
Do Good For God’s Glory
We must develop the habit of training our minds and hearts to do good works for God’s glory alone. When someone does praise us, we can use this as an opportunity to pass the praise to others and to God. It can be as simple as this, “Thank you. I appreciate your kindness. God is good!” The root of the matter is not trying to conceal our good works, but it is a heart issue at the core. If your heart wants praise, you will find a way to get it. If in your heart you are submitted to God, you will find a way to see every good deed that you accomplish as an opportunity to demonstrate the goodness of God. Let God reward you.
“So that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Matthew 6:4, NIV
It is the virus of pride and deceit that most turns off the non-believers… in other words “hypocrisy.”
Reflect the Nature of God
People can tell if you are being kind as a show or to receive praise. We have to do good for the right reasons . . . because we want to reflect the nature of our Heavenly Father. “If it all reveals Your nature, so will I.“
Also, see Finding Purpose.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear