And One More Thing!

Posted on September 4, 2018 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

“But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly” — Matthew 6:3,4

Most of us have at least one of those types of people in their fellowships, the ones that are seen and not heard. I remember a guy who was always friendly and showed up at every function, he was the first one there and the last to leave. It wasn’t until his memorial service that I was made aware of the impact this man had on so many. One by one people would give testimony of the kind and sacrificial service this man did for them. The Pastor talked about him being trustworthy enough to have keys to the Church. He would do most of the setting up before meetings and cleaning up when it was over. Often mentoring young men that he would see that seemed lost or forgotten. One young man said when he questioned him about why no one knows all that he does, he answered, “Because I’m sending my building materials to Heaven.”

In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus takes some time to instill in His disciples the importance of not getting caught up in the ways of the world. Jesus is in His closing remarks of the Sermon on the Mount when, after dealing with heart issues in chapter 5 He addresses how to protect it. He wants to warn them of the temptation of wanting recognition.

Too many times I’ve seen the principles of scripture played out in someone’s life only to be undermined by pride and prejudice. We can begin to look around and judge others because, “after all, look at all I’m doing.” It is too easy to forget that we started with pure motives of acts of service but when no one notices or we’re not acknowledged, indignation can set in. I have to guard my heart against bitterness and envy which comes from unmet expectations from others.

I heard a story of a woman who informed the Pastor that she was leaving the Church because of the frustration she had by watching others actions. He asked if she would do something for him before making her final decision, she agreed. The Pastor asked her to walk around the church building with a full glass of water without spilling a drop. The woman replied with a confident “Yes.” Unsure of the reason for such a strange request, the woman completed the task, the Pastor then asked her how many people did she see that caused frustration, she replied, “None, I was focused on the glass of water.” The Pastor asked if she would continue coming to church and instead of a glass of water focus on Jesus. “After all” said the Pastor, “Jesus said follow Me, not other Christians.”

I want to be like my unrecognized brother in Christ, not needing to be acknowledged for every good deed but rather sending my building materials to Jesus, who has gone to prepare a place for me. Amen!

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri, and serves with her as full time staff members. He is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.

The Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 24-27| You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “Perhaps a sin that humbles you is better than a good deed that makes you arrogant”― Hamza Yusef

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs 26:12