Is It Worth It?
"And your Father who sees
in secret will reward you
openly."
Matthew 6: 18
The
great Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo
happened to overhear a group of people admiring
his Pietà, a statue of Christ on His mother’s knees
after His death on the Cross. A man attributed the
work to another sculptor, much to the chagrin of
Michelangelo, who took much pride in
the Pietà.
Returning to the sculpture after dark that evening,
Michelangelo carved his name on it so no
similar
mistake would occur in the future.
Sometimes it is hard not to want recognition and
admiration of those around us. Whether our gift is
preaching, teaching, writing, singing, evangelism
or leading, we must keep a godly
perspective and
motivation in everything we do.
During His earthly ministry, Jesus 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.
When we fall in the trap of working or performing
for the rewards of men, we're bound to miss out
on rewards in heaven. Is it worth losing eternal
praise from God Himself to have but a
moment
of earthly glory?
"He who merits praise he never
receives is
better off than he who
receives praise he never merits."
Unknown