We should strive to do good for God’s sake alone, not for the approval of people!

 

And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. 

~Matthew 6:5 

Yes, we should strive to do good for God’s sake alone, not for the approval of people! We also need to learn to pray in private, not going around acting so holy, when we are not. We do not need the approval of other people. God knows our hearts. We are here for Him to please Him! We need to remember that Our Creator values us because of His infinite goodness, kindness, and mercy. The world and people may overlook us, but God never will! 

The Mornings With God App today said, "Some people perform religious acts only for show, to be seen by others. Their prayers are not directed to God but are meant to impress people, and they get what they desire: human admiration. We must guard against practicing our faith for human applause rather than for God’s glory. It’s far better to do good quietly, without seeking praise or recognition, simply out of love for Christ and others. Florence Nightingale, after becoming a beloved figure among soldiers for her nursing care, asked not to have her picture taken so that she might fade into the background and allow Christ to be remembered as the source of all blessings she had delivered in His name. We, too, should strive to do good for God’s sake alone, not for the approval of people." Found at:  https://www.youdevotion.com/mornings/december/17

I agree, that we need to put Jesus first and put Him on the pedestal always, not us. It really is not about us so much as it is about imitating Jesus and doing His will in our lives for Him and His people. And yes, it’s far better to do good quietly, without seeking praise or recognition, simply out of love for Christ and others.  Sometimes you just need to drop it and move on. I know when I retired after working with my job for almost 30 years I felt bad, no one gave me a retirement party, card, gift card, or any announcement or recognition, then five months later sent a broken corroded clock with no name on it and it was broken as a gift. It was somewhat offensive, but I have since turned to God and know that He would not overlook me like my job did. We just have to find Jesus in all in this world. Put Him first, put Him on the pedestal, and know that God cares, His love, mercy, compassion, and kindness are all that really matter!