Reasons behind actions [4/2/12]

Greetings!

I originally planned on writing a post every once in a while, but a friend convinced me to write a post every single day. I hope I can keep this promise and overcome my laziness!

So, lately, I've been going through the book of Matthew. I've been reading a chapter a day, and today, the very first verse I read spoke directly to me. Matthew 6:1 says, "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." The reason why this verse spoke directly to my heart was because most of my life has revolved around myself... My  life has revolved around bringing myself glory.

Nobody but God knows exactly what goes on in my head, but I can tell you this: the majority of my past actions were done to bring myself glory. I wanted people to recognize me. I wanted people to acknowledge my presence. I wanted people to compliment me. Because of these wants, I went out of my way to do things for people, but these actions were for myself, and nobody else.

Do you find yourself doing things to bring glory to yourself? If you do, then take a moment to rethink your actions. We want to be humble people. God's children are not proud. God's children do not show off their good deeds. Matthew 6:3 says, "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." This is how discreet we are to be when we are giving. When you are giving, don't tell the world what you're doing. If you tell the world, then are you not bringing the spotlight onto yourself? Let's be humble. For when we are humble and discreet, our Father will reward us.

I hope you enjoyed today's little blurb... I hope it encourages you to be humble. I know it is nice when people "glorify" your actions, but this is not the reward we should be seeking.

Here is the song I listened to while writing this post: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwfHkZOU1_o

Thanks for reading!
- kjoosaurus out!