Beware of earthly praise

So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. Matthew 6:2

I was listening to a radio talk show a few days ago and the speaker made a statement that I initially agreed with, but the more I thought about his words, I believe he is wrong.  He said, “When we stop honoring heroes, our country will no longer have any heroes to honor”.  I have not had the opportunity to perform many heroic acts in my life but I think I know the type of person it takes to be a hero, and you probably do also.  I don’t believe any of the people who have sacrificed their life to save another, performed an act of heroism to protect a stranger, or who gave totally of themselves for their country ever did so with the intention of becoming, “heroic”.  I think we will always have those people in our world.  The ones who, without thought to personal safety, immediately run into harm’s way to save another person.  I was in a large meeting a while back and had the pleasure of hearing a young man speak to the crowd.  This young man was in an automobile accident last year and was severely burned over most of his body.  He has endured many operations and rehabilitation to even be able to speak to the crowd of teachers.  He described the actions of the man who suddenly appeared beside the burning car to help pull him to safety.  What stood out to me was that he never said the man’s name and the man does not want to be known for what he did.  I cannot speak for the brave man that jumped into action on the night of the accident but, I bet he did not see the burning car, consider whether or not he would be considered a hero and weigh his options.  He saw a desperate need and he acted immediately.  He saved the young man's life because he did not consider the possible dangers to himself.  Had he hesitated, trying to decide if he was brave enough, waiting on the news cameras or considering a possible book deal, this amazing young man would not be with us today to share his testimony.

I think the people who are true heroes, who run into dangerous situations without considering the threat to their personal safety will always be with us.  They will continue to be the nameless people who daily help a person in need, give of themselves for a friend or stranger, and go about their quiet lives without telling anyone.  The people who are looking for honor are not true heroes to begin with.  They are opportunists looking for a way to become famous.

Matthew 6:2 is talking about giving money to the needy and warns us to not perform acts such as this for earthly recognition.  I believe this verse can be applied to other areas of our lives as well.  It is frustrating at times when we are not recognized for the good in our lives.  Maybe it is a kind gesture that is taken the wrong way by another or it is a great idea that others, who had very little involvement, receive all the credit.  God tells us to do these things without the world knowing. To care for a friend, a stranger, a classmate or teammate, or co-worker while keeping the good deed just between ourselves and the person we helped. Although the earthly praise can sometimes make us look good to the world, we are missing the reward that God will have for us one day when we enter into His Kingdom. A reward that is much better than a pat on the back, an article in the paper, or a plaque on a wall. Our good deeds on earth are forgotten just moments after they are done, but our good deeds for one of God’s children are remembered for eternity.

Chad