Day 20
Remember
for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people.
Nehemiah
5:19
The
desire to be recognized is a common one. It is only natural that we would like
people to notice what we have done. If we have led well, we want people to notice.
If we have sacrificed greatly, we want people to appreciate it. If we have done
a good job, we want people to know. However, the desire for recognition can rob
us of the real blessing.
Nehemiah
has had to make a number of tough leadership decisions. He has sacrificed
greatly as an individual. He is well on his way to doing what no one else has
or could do. It would have been very easy for him to fall into the trap of
wanting recognition. However, this desire would have hindered his ability to
lead as needed. So, he asks God to remember what he has done. For him, it is not
important for the people notice, so long as God does.
Jesus
said, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to
be seen by them for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in
heaven” (Matthew 6:1). Simply put, you will get the reward you want. If it is
the praise of man that you desire, then you will get it. If it is the reward
that God has for us that you want, then you will have it. This truth is
something that Nehemiah understood.
The
desire to be noticed and appreciated is natural. However, if we allow that
desire to get out of control, it will begin to impact who we are and what we
do. Additionally, it will begin to corrupt our motives. Instead of seeking what
God wants, we will begin to concern ourselves with what those around us want.
The
decision we must make is a simple one. Are we more interested in getting the
attention of God or man?
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