Recognition/Attention

The creation of social media has placed a major focus on self. Peoples focus has turned inward which creates an environment eaten up with pride and unjust anger. It also creates an environment of jealously as people hurry to present the best side of themselves and deceive those around them. People thrive on the attention of others. Some people fall victim to thriving on the attention gained by doing acts that are similar to those of Jesus. The problem lies when they do amazing acts of service and kindness but flaunt their goodness for the recognition of man. The recognition should be by God and for His glory. There is a heavenly reward for our service and faithfulness. That reward is under-minded by those who have become hypocritical and lost their focus on God. (Matthew 6:2) “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.

As a follower of Jesus there is a decision to be made. Do we seek earthly rewards and pleasure or the abundance that awaits in heaven? This question pertains to many things: 1) possessions, 2) status, 3) recognition, 4) affection, 5) acceptance, 6) control and 7) longevity. This list is limited but should suffice in awakening the senses to the other ways people seek this world over eternity in paradise.