Grace to you & peace from God our Father & the Lord Jesus Christ.
“Is It Worth It?” is July 25’s morning entry from Dr. David Jeremiah’s ‘Turning Points with God: 365 Daily Devotions’.
"Your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Matthew 6:18
One day the great Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo happened to overhear a group of people admiring his Pietà, a statue of Mary cradling her Son, Jesus, after His death on the cross. One man attributed the work to another sculptor, much to the chagrin of Michelangelo, who took particular pride in the Pietà. Returning to the sculpture after dark that evening. Michelangelo carved his name on it so that no similar mistake would occur in the future.
Sometimes it’s hard not to want the recognition and admiration of those around us. Whether our gift is preaching or teaching, writing or singing, evangelism or leading, we must keep a Godly perspective and motivation in everything we do. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He certainly knew how to keep Himself from becoming entangled in the praises of men: He gave all the credit to His Father, for He knew His reward was waiting on the other side of the Cross.
If we fall into the trap of working or performing for the rewards of men, we are bound to miss out on our rewards in Heaven. Is it worth losing eternal praise from God Himself to have but a moment of earthly glory?
To end, a quote from Unknown, “He who merits praise he never receives is better off than he who receives praise he never merits.”
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
