They simply go out, quietly rolling up their sleeves, grab hammer and nails, and do the work of the saints. With no pizazz, no press and publicity, no spinners and PR agents, no cameras and/or microphones.
I keep flashing back to that Scripture passage where Jesus recommends going behind closed doors by yourself to pray, where no one can see or hear you (except God). What NOT to do is parade down the center aisle or out in public so everybody can see how "wonderful" or "generous" or "saintly" you are. I think Jesus said - well, THAT'S your reward, right there. The REAL reward that counts, Upstairs, you just blew off.
Putting Prayer in Its Place
Jesus’ instruction on prayer in Matthew begins this way:
“Whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray while standing in synagogues and on street corners so that people can see them. Truly I say to you, they have their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:5-6).
Jesus develops two basic kinds of prayer. The first is “showcase prayer” by which the person praying actually draws attention to himself. He wants to be known as spiritual and holy. His religion gives him status, and by public prayer, he maintains and feeds it. The second kind of prayer is “relational prayer.” This is prayer that seeks time with the Father. Jesus, for teaching purposes, draws a distinct line between the two, but we must acknowledge that most people will fall somewhere between the two extremes. It is also important to understand that no one can read the mind and intentions of another heart. What might seem to be the height of arrogance may only reflect upbringing. Or gentle, quiet prayers may come from one who has no private prayer life at all. Jesus’ instructions are for us to know and personally apply His words and to let the Holy Spirit guide and train our hearts in these matters.
https://bible.org/seriespage/18-jesus-prayer-matthew-65-15
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LOVE President Carter, always have!
