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by Ruth O’Neil
There was once a man who would loudly say that he never looked for thanks the things he did. But then he would turn around and just as loudly proclaim that it would have been nice if “so and so” thanked him or showed some kind of appreciation. If one kept listening, he would then say, “They thanked me, but I don’t feel like they meant it.”
While I do understand the fact that it is nice to hear “thank you” once in a while, the man’s attitude is a little confusing. At one point he wants to remain anonymous, at another point he wants what he did to be proclaimed on a billboard for all to see. He hardly sounds like he knows what he wants. This man’s ramblings made me think. What do I want? Do I want to remain in the background pretty much no one even knowing what I’ve done, or do I want to have a celebration of honor for every kindness I perform?
What does God have to say about that?
Luke 6:32-34, “And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.”
Psalm 112:5, “Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.”
Proverbs 19:17, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
I think I would much rather skip the accolades here on earth and wait for whatever treasure God has in store for me in heaven. There is not thank-you gift that can compare with what God has for me.
What about you? The next time you do something nice for someone don’t wait for a human thank you. Instead, look forward to a heavenly thank you.
About the Author:
Ruth O’Neil has been writing for over 20 years. She has published hundreds of articles in numerous publications. She loves to touch the emotions when she writes. “If I can make one person laugh or cry, I’ll consider myself successful.” Her first novel “Come Eat at My Table” has just come out in ebook form and can be purchased on her website. She homeschools her three children (well, one now, as two have graduated). She and her husband have been married for 20-plus years. In her spare time she enjoys quilting, crafting, and reading. You can visit her on her blog at ruths-real-life (dot)blogspot.com or her website at ruthoneil (dot)weebly.com
