Devotionals

---

Keeping Me in check

I was driving down the road with my daughter beside me and I was expressing my opinion about a certain person in our lives that seems to not appreciate anything we’ve done! She was very respectful and listened, until I was all talked out, and she said these words: ‘mom don’t you know he’s not a Christian. He doesn’t believe in God so how can you expect him to be grateful?’

Okay, she checked me and I accepted it and told her she was absolutely correct! Of course I had to ponder this further, and seriously ask God to forgive me and thanked Him profusely for my daughter so kindly pointing out that I was in the wrong.

You see, number one who am I? When God says to give, he means to give without concern of appreciation or recognition! We are to give without trying to control someone, and give without expecting as much as a thank you! If the receiver says thank you, then so be it, but we must guard ourselves against the feelings of pride or self-worth that tags along with giving!

I suppose growing up in a Christian home, where decent moral values were taught, and my brother and I learned the importance of saying thank you (and other things such as that), it is easy to get put off with people who seem less appreciative.

I’ve also been guilty of holding back when God says to give, because I felt someone wasn’t going to be appreciative or because I felt like they might not use the gift as it was intended, but this is a wrong attitude! Whatever I have is a gift from God and if God says to give it away, then I must do so with a humble spirit and know that God has a purpose! I will be held accountable for my actions. If someone is not appreciative, God will deal with him or her in His way!

Jesus said it this way: TAKE CARE not to do your good deeds publicly or before men, in order to be seen by them; otherwise you will have no reward [reserved for and awaiting you] with and from your Father Who is in heaven. Matthew 6:1 (AMP)

When I require or expect someone to say thank you, am I not asking for applause? I am thankful for my raising and the respect issues I was taught, but not everyone grew up as I did. But even more than this, there is a deeper issue at hand. The young man I was discussing (okay, really I was grumbling) has not had a meeting with our Lord and King! He has not come to know him as his personal savior! He wasn’t raised by Christian parents and was taught that there is no God.

So, it would appear that my grumbling over his lack of appreciation should be cast aside and I should be asking God to let me live out the example of love and expect nothing in return! I want this young man to see Christ in me, which as my daughter pointed out, has been shrouded by my self-centered attitude! I should spend more time praying for this young man’s soul than his lack of gratitude!

I mean think about it for a moment, if people do not appreciate God for sending us His Son, and they show even less appreciation for what Jesus did for us on the cross, who am I to think I deserve a thank you over a $5 bill?

Today, let’s examine our hearts and make sure our motives are in the right place! Ask God to turn the spotlight on and reveal any areas of selfishness and pride! He will, even if He has to use your son or daughter to point it out!

All forgiving God! How merciful you are! Your longsuffering with us is beyond compare! Search us today Lord for any areas that has become about us! Replace our pride with LOVE and a giving spirit! Holy Spirit keep us in check, and open our ears so we may hear what you are saying!

In Jesus Name, AMEN!

© Jounda LaMance November 13, 2006

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE