There Goes Your Reward

December, 2003

by: Jason Wolin

Sin is a crafty fellow. Like a snake that slithers into your house unnoticed, sin can sometimes sneak into our lives without our knowledge. Heart–sins are easily disguised and tend to slither into our hearts without being seen.

In Matthew Chapter 6, Jesus addresses a particular heart-sin that exhibits an impressive set of fangs. Jesus warns in verse one, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.” So often Christians deceive themselves into thinking they are serving the LORD, but upon a closer inspection of the heart one realizes that they are seeking after the praises of men.

I began searching my own heart and realized there are a host of areas in which I am seeking the praise of men. Ask yourself, “Would I be happy if I regularly gave 50 percent of my income without anyone ever knowing?” Ask yourself, “Would I be happy to give up my vacation time to go on a short term mission's trip, if nobody knew?” Be sure you check your heart before you tell people how long you prayed, how long you read your Bible, how much money you gave, how difficult this service project was, or how often you share your faith.

Spiritual pride is deadly. Not only does it suck the joy out of your service, you lose your reward in heaven. Next time you give a large gift, give it in cash, so nobody knows. Get in the habit of letting the LORD reward you. Proverbs 30:32 says, “If you have been foolish in exalting yourself or if you have plotted evil, put your hand on your mouth.” Don't be a fool in exalting yourself.