It depends

"'Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get." Matthew 6:1-2 NLT

In an email I received from Runner's World yesterday titled, "Do You Need Race-Only Shoes?" a reader begged the question, "I always run with the same pair of shoes for both training and races. Any thoughts on running with one pair for training and a different pair just for racing? And if I go with racing shoes, how should I break them in before race day? Thanks!” To which the coach replied, "When it comes to questions about running shoes, fuel preferences, and even training, a big part of the answer will always be, “It depends!” All runners have their own specific ways of going about things, especially when it comes to racing gear, but with shoes, there are a few important things you’ll want to consider. Let’s get specific." And while the coach went a little bit more into detail, she ended with this statement, "The benefit of having a race-specific shoe is that they will last you a long time. You can break them out for races as special occasions but otherwise keep the mileage on them low so they stay fresh and responsive on race day." 

And you know, when it comes to seeking answers as this reader came to find out, the answer to many of life's important questions will always be... "it depends." It certainly is when it comes to the question of, "Will I be be rewarded for doing good deeds as I am called to do?" You see, doing good to others is always a good thing and something that God is pleased with; but also something that comes with eternal rewards only when we do it for the right reasons. And the right reason is always this... because we are doing good to please the Lord and not for the praise of man. Something, the latter of which, Jesus condemned the hypocrites for doing, declaring that they had "received all the reward they will ever get." In other words, the hypocrites traded the eternal praise of God for the temporal praise of the world, receiving their reward here rather than in heaven. Not a very good trade was it? 

So when serving and helping others, check your motives my friend. "Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven." Instead do your good deeds for the Lord knowing that one day you will hear the words, "Well done my good and faithful servant" for doing so. There's no greater reward that we could ever receive.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that what we do is as important as our why. Cause us to seek to please You above all else Lord that we would serve to be Your hands and feet. Help us to live only to please You knowing that our lives will fall into place when it is You we seek above all else. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!