Sometimes there are discussion in a church about doing something to help those in the community and being sure to  call the press so they know about it.

The idea is this - we want to do good and help others so the community knows we love them and care about them. Some might even argue their case from this passage in Matthew (5:16):  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 

The problem is, the context is being missed. Jesus definitely gives instruction that his followers are to do good works. The problem is, lights don’t need anyone to announce their presence. The other day, my wife and I were driving down the highway, and from miles away we could see large spotlights shining into the sky. As we drove closer to the source, we could see they had been placed in front of a large furniture store to draw attention to it.

I doubt the furniture store had placed an advertisement or notified the media they were going to shine lights that night. The just did it. That’s how we as followers of Christ should do our good works.

We would be well served to remember everything Jesus had to say on this topic. He specifically tells us that if we seek attention for the work we do, then the glory goes to us and that’s our reward.

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.  (Matthew 6:1-4 ESV)

Let God be the one who rewards your work. Let Him be glorified. Let Him build His Church. You just quietly serve, and He’ll be sure the work is rewarded properly.