November 20, 2015:  SOAP #2178:  

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 6:1 “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Observation:   Acts of righteousness are good and kind things which are expected of a person claiming to be a Christian.   They are done to please God or serve others.  When they are done so people will notice, their thank you and compliment will be the only payment one should expect.  When they are done quietly and go unnoticed by others, the Heavenly Father takes the responsibility for the reward.  He is the GREAT Rewarder!

Application:  When everyone sees me do something kind for another person, two things happen:  1, the need of the other is met.  And 2, they appreciate me and make me look good.  But when no one knows that I have done something kind for another person, three things happen:  1. the need of the other is met.  2, not knowing who to thank, they give thanks and glory to God and make Him look good.  And 3, my reward comes from God!

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, I want my acts of righteousness to give many people reason to appreciate you and give you praise.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!