...If That's All...

July 13

In God’s estimation, there is nothing gained by the recognition or the accolades of men. In fact, Jesus said in Matthew 6:2-6, “When you do your alms, do not announce your gift as do the hypocrites so they will have glory from men. Indeed they have their only reward; rather, when you do alms, don’t even let your left hand know what your right hand is doing…and you will receive the reward of your Father.”

The honor of men is of no eternal value, although most of us strive to attain it. We consider ourselves to be unfortunate, unlucky, cheated, if we do not find ourselves crowned with honor by men for the small things we achieve.

We are swallowed up in the world’s idea of glory. We are enthralled by awards. From athletic competition to conflagration among nations, the old adage to which we adhere is, ‘To the winner go the spoils.’ We want the spoils. We don’t want to be an ‘also ran.’

But the Lord says something very sobering in Mark 8:36, “What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world but lose his own soul?” The praise of men, the rewards of hard work may be delightful, but if that’s all a man has, he has nothing of eternal value.