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What do you think God cares about more when we serve or give to others: the works and gifts themselves, or the attitudes and underlying motives behind them? While many assume that giving and serving are always pleasing to God, possessing the wrong motives can dramatically affect the impact and spiritual significance of our good works. As the Scriptures make abundantly clear, our service for others should not be self-centered, but Christ-centered.
Jesus discusses the superficial nature of the former motive in Matthew 6:1-4. He begins in the first verse by noting how people often serve others simply to build a reputation of righteousness. Christ notes that such behavior is displeasing to the Father, who enjoys awarding spiritual gifts to those who serve with a right heart. While Christ-centered service receives such rewards, verse 1 notes that if we help others to simply be seen as righteous, these actions will not be rewarded in heaven. Jesus also warns of another selfish motive: giving for the sake of drawing attention. Matthew 6:2 notes that this was commonly seen in Israel's synagogues and streets, where certain hypocritical individuals would pompously give money to the commotion of a blaring trumpet. As Jesus notes in this verse, when we do good works simply for attention or praise, thus is the only reward we can received from them. While self-centered works may seem good on the outside, Jesus exposes the internal hypocrisy and selfishness that make them devoid of spiritual reward and significance.
Conversely, the Lord takes great pleasure when His children give and serve with His glory and love in mind. An astounding example of this is the woman with two mites. In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus was watching people give their offerings in the Temple, including many rich individuals who gave bountifully. In stark contrast to them was a widow who gave all she had: a measly two coins only worth a penny. Amid this extraordinary contrast, Jesus astonishingly remarked how the widow's gift was the most valuable offering because she gave all she had, not for show or her glory, but in faith and for God's glory. Another outstanding example comes from the Apostle Paul's ministry. His mission to spread the Gospel and share God's love with others was as far from selfish as can be imagined. Rather than receiving glory, riches, and popularity, 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 lists the myriad of unthinkable sufferings his servitude caused, from lethal shipwrecks and recurring poverty to violent mobs and brutal beatings. Despite the countless agonizing situations he encountered, the Apostle Paul selflessly explains in 2 Corinthians 4:17 that he considered them to be but a moment in the context of eternity. Such is undoubtedly the attitude of service that pleases God, as 2 Corinthians 9:7 notes His joy when His children sacrifice their time, energy, and possessions to others while exemplifying Christ. As the widow and Apostle Paul demonstrate, our attitudes and motives dramatically impact how extensively God can use our service and gifts to further His Kingdom and to help others, both physically and spiritually.
Whenever we serve in church, give a donation, or even perform our daily work, we are given an important choice. We can choose to do so to impress others, build a good public image, or receive something in return; all of which limit not only our rewards from these works to this life, but also stifle the flow of the Holy Spirit in us. On the other hand, we can humble ourselves before the Lord, admit our need for Him, and serve in these areas for His glory. Through this obedience, we not only increase our heavenly rewards, but also bring glory to God, let our lights shine before others, and provide a Spirit-filled witness to others that they might receive and be transformed through Christ's salvation.
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