What If No One Notices?

When you fast, do not look sullen like the hypocrites, for they make their faces unattractive so that people will see them fasting. I tell you the truth, they have their reward. When you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others when you are fasting, but only to your Father who is in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.

Matthew 6:15-18

 

Ever wonder why you do the right thing and try so hard when it doesn't seem as though anyone notices?  It really is frustrating, at times, when you are doing your best and no one seems to care.  Let me offer a bit of perspective: Should we slack off just because we don't think anyone notices or cares?  And here's one more nugget of perspective: If you are reading this, then I presume you are a believer, so ask yourself 'who am I trying to impress?'

 

You see, we can spend all sorts of time and be as inventive and creative as DaVinci, but that doesn't mean we will please everyone.  In fact, we will usually tick someone off!  Investing yourself wholeheartedly has a reward and a toll.  That toll may be your family or your health.  Before trying to impress people, count the cost and see if the reward is worth the toll.

 

You see, in reality, we are working for God.  And God makes it very clear that if we work to impress people, then we have our reward and it is fleeting.  But when we work for God, we aren't showy with it, we don't seek publicity or notoriety or recognition.  When we do God's work we just do it humbly, quietly, and remembering that God sees us whether anyone else does or not, and God's rewards last a lot longer than anything people can bestow.

 

Now for a confession.  I realize this may shock most of you, but I like being quiet.  I like quiet places that spark my mind to think. I rather believe I would have made a good Hobbit at some point in life because I like the peaceful quiet found in introspection and, being an introvert, the ability to ponder and contemplate in secret.  You see, when we do God's work remembering that we are working for God, then we are doing it in secret and God sees us in our secret places and rewards us openly.

 

Psalm 91:1-2 "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”  

 

Think on that.