All their works are performed to be seen.
It's true, isn't it, that we want to be noticed for the good things we do? To be thankful to others who do good to us is not only commendable it is expected. The problem is not other people being thankful for our efforts. The problem is only if we are missing the motivation for the good deeds themselves. We can't allow our love to become tethered to recognition. We must love and do right whether or not anyone notices. We are free to enjoy those times when they do notice, so long as we don't come to depend on that to drive our efforts. Much of the Christian life is hidden. We give and pray and many who benefit never even know. Do we feel deprived? We need not. God sees what is hidden. He sees us in secret. We may not always get the usual thanks for something we do even when a person is aware of it. God never owes us anything. But he chooses to reward deeds of righteousness. He himself can be more than enough to motivate our every action.
In a way, we can be like Ruth, who doesn't even realize that anyone is aware of the good choices she makes and is surprised to see them rewarded.
Boaz answered her:
"I have had a complete account of what you have done
for your mother-in-law after your husband's death;
you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth,
and have come to a people whom you did not know previously."
We don't need to be regarded as good, or as teachers, or as experts, as long as we choose to follow Jesus. We find in him a new birth that far exceeds any other reward we can imagine. This element of surprise is often a part of it because, although we tell ourselves at the time we are doing things for God when they go unrecognized, those things nevertheless still often full like effort and drudgery. Yet we really are opening ourselves to unexpected and unguessed blessings from the LORD.
Blessed are you who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways!
For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;
blessed shall you be, and favored.
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