It is good to occasionally stroll down memory lane. To look back on key moments that also influenced your spiritual growth.
This is a testimony I would like to share with the body of Christ, because in the day and age we are living in, the desire for approval and praise from men is rampant. I am getting ahead of myself. Let me explain.
Many years ago, I finished ministering to a small group of women and as I was driving home, in my mind, I was congratulating myself on a job well done. The proverbial pat on the back. The next moment the Lord spoke to me, not in an audible voice, or by neon words flashing across the car's windscreen, but loud and clear within my spirit: "I DO NOT SHARE MY GLORY WITH ANOTHER." As soon as I arrived home, I searched in my Bible and was led by the Ruach HaKodesh, the Holy Spirit, to Isaiah 42:8 "I am the Lord; that is My Name! I will not give My glory to another or my praise to idols."
I humbly repented of my prideful thoughts because it is certainly not about me when I minister, but all about Yeshua. He deserves all the Glory. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." That was a sobering moment for me and from that time onwards, I endeavoured to do everything to the glory of God.
As time passes, we sometimes forget about our good intentions. Yeshua will test what's in our heart so that we can grow in our faith and sure enough, the test came.
For two years I was volunteering some of my time at a certain place. In the back of my mind, I was expecting a big thank you or some credit for the work I had done, but it did not happen. Initially I was disappointed until Yeshua gently showed me the root of my problem. Only then it became as clear as daylight. Subconsciously I was relying on the approval of mankind, some worldly appreciation and acknowledgement. Yeshua reminded me that whatever I do, it should be to the glory and honour of Him, not for people. We should honour Him in the small mundane things of daily life and the more extraordinary pursuits – everything we do, should bring Him all the glory. It should be an act of worship, to humbly serve our King.
As believers we step into traps when we do things to be seen by people, to receive honour, praise, recognition, or admiration. Unfortunately, the era we are living in, is a society permeated by the "reward" system. Paul says in Galatians 1:10 "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Yeshua's ministry was known for acts of service and many times He did not even receive a thank you. As followers of Yeshua, we will experience the same things. In our work environment, or with family responsibilities, don't rely or depend on a thank you or worldly recognition.
In the Bible we learn about the "Torah of kindness." It goes without saying that it's good manners to thank a person for their time, effort and acts of service. However, I encourage you not to rely or depend on these praises or on earthly rewards and accolades.
May Abba Father minister to you today and heal your heart where hurt or disappointment crept in, because you might have felt unappreciated. Precious child of God, you are significant and special in Yeshua's eyes. He takes note of you and sees the work of your hands. Throw off the yoke of bondage – the baggage that weighs you down because approval and praises of men are important to you. Matthew 6:19-21 refers to storing up treasures in heaven. Your precious time, talents and hard work should be heavenly focussed, not earthly or for earthly medals and rewards. May Abba give you this freedom today, to do everything to the best of your ability, for His honour and glory and not to desire the approval of mankind.
Let us search our hearts and may the Holy Spirit show us where we need to repent for the mistakes of seeking man's approval, worldly acknowledgement or earthly rewards.
Col.3:23-24 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward."
In Malachi 3:16 God reminds us that He remembers. "Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honoured His name."
Gal. 6:9-10 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, when we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
In this new season, the year 5784, may you also endeavour to do everything to the honour and glory of His Name. May the precious Holy Spirit remind us to give Him the honour and glory that He alone deserves. It is beautifully stated in Psalm 29:2 "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His Name; worship the Lord in the splendour of His holiness."
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