| Things to Live For |
Chapter 12 |
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But we are mistaken in al this. Possibly we may be in error concerning the relative largeness and importance of our own part in what has been accomplished. We are prone to see the value of our own work and influence writ large. We may stand so close to the achievement that we cannot see how many other hands have been at work in bringing it about. But even if we have been one of the chief actors, and if what we think of our own achievement is unexaggerated, it still remains true that it does not become us to talk about it. There is really no absolute necessity that the world should know of our fine achievement. It matters not who the human instrument in Christian work may be; we are secondary always, and the honor is the Master’s. Much of the best work for Christ in this world is wrought anonymously. No one knows who did it; no name is written on it. What does it matter whether we are praised or not when we have been working for Christ? He knows what heart and hand have wrought for him, and that is publicity enough.
Indeed, one of the marks of acceptable work is indicated by the great Teacher himself in his exhortation that we do not our righteousness before men to be seen of them; else we shall have no reward with our Father in heaven. Very explicit is the counsel that we do not sound a trumpet before us in synagogue or street when we do good; that we let not our left hand know what our right had doeth; that our good deed may be in secret. Certain it is that work done for human and earthly reward is not so honorable as that done only for the eye and the commendation of Christ. Thinking about one’s self in connection with what one is doing, and doing it for one’s own honoring, will always vitiate its worth.
The inference from this teaching is that it is not only not necessary for people to know our part in the good deeds which are attracting their attention, but that it is better they should not know; that it is a diviner doing which receives no praise of men. Certainly it is very clear from these words of Jesus, that far from being under necessity to declare our good works with our own lips, it is our duty rather to keep secret what we have done. Our reward is not men’s commendation. It is plainly said that those who do good deeds to have glory of men get the recompense they see; but it is intimated that this is all the reward they get. But those who seek to conceal from men their alms deeds, letting not their left hand know what their right hand doeth, shall have recompense from the Father in heaven, who seeth in secret.
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