“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6:5-8
Do you do your ‘work’ to be seen and praised by others, or are you really working for an Audience of One? What are you really concerned about, your own influence and reputation, or the ‘orders’ or assignment given to you by your King? Can you work and be satisfied by His approval only?
These are difficult questions if we’re really honest with ourselves. We want to be valued by others especially by our loved ones and family. But that ‘praise of men’ is oh so deadly to the soul and spirit because the praise of others can REALLY chip away at that ‘humility’ and character (research Paul’s thorn in the flesh). This is why success at a very young age can really mess with a person. Scars, trials, patience, endurance, failures, pain, and zero acclaim can really make one hardened to the dangers of big success. One has to learn how to find water in the desert first. One has to grow through wilderness and lonely seasons in life. One has to know how to nurture their own ‘secret place’ with God, and fortify it with constancy with discipline.
If you want to know what instant riches will do to a person — just research what happens to mega lottery winners and their years after. Find out how many go bankrupt … and how soon. If you’re not good with money before the lottery you certainly will NOT be good with the money when it is mega magnified. Very few big lottery winners do well after they got their winning ticket. In life it’s the same way. Have you learned the correct and narrow ‘path’ and not care if anyone sees you and knows how well you are doing? If you’re constantly having trouble with self control and moral character — the spotlight of fame can destroy you.
Our spiritual lives are the same way. We have to have the correct, long, and mature spiritual life in our ‘secret place’ before ever being thrust into the spotlight or leadership. Praying correctly is fired and refined in that secret place with Him. Don’t look to sit in the ‘high places’ of honor. Don’t seek fame and riches. Seek to be obedient to the instructions He has given you. If you are recognized for something you did …give all the accolades and glory to Him your King, who sustains you in this life.
Learn to live in the ‘secret place’ of your heart with Him. Don’t worry about what others think. Just do everything to His glory and honor with all of your might and focus.
Success is possibly the greatest spiritual trial anyone will face. Success will magnify every one of your character flaws and weaknesses. The enemy will tell you over and over how ‘great’ you are, puffing up that ‘pride’. And then…. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18 Boom!!! You fall into a BIG mess. Humility, honor, a contrite spirit, and gratefulness are the markers of maturity and a Godly life.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. Psalms 111:10