This idea has been rather eye opening this year. Caring for inlaws, minding Grandchildren, and cutting plans short to nurture and cure my son, my own needs and desires sometimes got swept under the rug. Thank you was sparing--in some cases it was quite the opposite.
What was my goal in serving these loved ones? Hmmm...Was I looking for something in return? Probably. Was I serving with the idea that all service is service to the Lord? Maybe not. With tears and hurt feelings, I acted like a huge baby. This attitude affected my health adversely--I felt myself slipping back into that downward death spiral.
What should motivate service? This passage give a hint. We should not serve with the idea of "a recompence." Matthew also dealt with this idea, when he said, "That thine alms may be in secret: and they Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly." Matthew 4:6
So service should be motivated not from hope of reward but love of God's children. Charity, the pure love of Christ, remains the only true Christian motivation for sacrifice/service, and it brings us closer to Jesus. Worldly kudos and thank yous are a slim reward. In seeking these, we are relying on the arm of flesh and instead of the hand of God.
Wow! I think I'll quit pouting and wait for my rewards in heaven.
Well said!
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