Secret Santa

Jesus taught his disciples a different way to lead.

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father-- the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted. - Matt. 23:1-12

There is something special about the work we do as Christians.

If we truly follow what Jesus taught, we are like Secret Santas, offering our help and support in private, not seeking glory or acknowledgment.

But we have grown accustomed to getting our reward, whether that be a simple "Thank You" or some greater notoriety.

Could we hold off and claim that reward later?  Much later?

We know of the healing works Jesus performed, not because he shared the stories, but because those he healed did, even when he told them not to.

If you think about it, that wasn't his work.  He came to teach, but he healed along the way.

For most of us, acts of charity and kindness are not our job.  We don't do that for a living, and when we do these things for others it feels good.

Is that enough of a reward for us?

Maybe that is the question we should ask ourselves when we feel we need greater recognition for all the good we do.

We are not going to get rewards or medals, nor will we be honored at a celebrity ball.  

We do these things because we care.  It is a love thing.

And if it isn't, we should rethink our purpose in life.

More to come...