I’ll admit sometimes I lack motivation to do something for someone. No one is genuinely selfless and altruistic all the time. Even when I think I’m being selfless, if I reflect on why I do something, sometimes my main underlying motivation is feeling good about myself. If it is, I may be doing something more for making myself feel good than for helping someone who has a need. I should also consider whether I expect anything in return. Even if it is a subconscious expectation of a “thank you,” have I truly been selfless?

That’s when I need to remember Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” In other words, everything I do should be for an audience of One. “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:3-4).

What beautiful promises! By keeping our focus on serving the Lord, out of an overflow of love and gratitude for Him, He will be the one who rewards us! God gives good and perfect gifts from above. And to receive an inheritance from Him? Sign me up! I’ll take His rewards over any recognition or self-gratification this world offers!