I’ll date myself with this cultural reference, but some of you may remember this scene from the TV show “Seinfeld”. George is at a takeout pizza place and wants to be sure the worker at the counter sees him putting cash in the tip jar. As he tells Jerry later, “If they don’t notice it, what’s the point?” The worker looks away just as George puts cash in the jar, so he attempts to pull it back out and is caught. It does not go well for George.
I’ve been thinking about that scene in the context of our theme for this school year “See the
Light…Be the Light” based on John 8:12. Do you like receiving credit for the good things that
you do? I think most of us would answer aloud, “No, that’s not necessary I don’t need any
credit.” But let’s be honest since we’re human most of us on the inside do yearn for at least a
little acknowledgement or praise when we’ve done something good. Matthew 5:16 has something interesting to say on this topic: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” There’s really nothing wrong with being recognized for the good we do. However, the goal is not to draw attention to how great we are but rather glorify and point to our amazing God who equipped us to do good works. Like the saying goes, humble doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself – it means thinking of yourself less. Whenever you’re praised or complimented for doing something good, say thank you and then be sure give the honor and glory to God!