Yesterday was a good day. Not only did I get to my doctors appointment on time, but I also met up with my friend Katie. Katie recently got back from a medical missions trip to South Africa, so I was excited to see pictures, and hear stories. The picture above was taken by one of Katie's teammates. I hope its okay that I use it!We got talking about how Katie raised money for her trip. She told me that she had 72 people donate money for her to go on her trip. I love missionaries, and I love Katie, so when Katie told us she was going, Donnie and I were happy to give. All the money that Katie was given went through her church, so she got a list of the people that donated money for her trip, but not the amount of money that each person gave.
This fact really surprised me. And to be very honest I was upset. Donnie and I gave generously for Katie's trip. I thought that when she saw the amount that we donated she would be singing our praises forever. I thought she would say things like "Wowie wow wow, that Stacey and Donnie are good Christians" Needless to say none of this happened.
I was thinking a lot about this, and then the Holy Spirit brought to mind a passage in the Bible.
Matthew 6
Giving to the Needy
1"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.2"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Wow....did I mess up. I was definitely looking to be honored by a person and not by God. I thank Katie for helping show me how pride can sneak up in my life!
But I still say if she goes on a trip again, I'm writing the check in Katie's name so she can see how great I am. hahaha Just Kidding.
4 comments:
Stacey-
I love how God has helped you work through your pride. Thanks so much for donating, and don't worry HE knows of all your good works.
PS It is perfectly ok to use the pics from the blog or Shutterfly. They are for all to view.
You had a very, very HUMAN emotion! I'm glad you were led to read that passage! It's the first one I thought of :) I totally understand the way you felt though!
Hugs,
Sherry
ps Did you still want to stop by Sat night? If that night isn't good, just let me know!
See?! I told you that you were selfish!! :P But truthfully, that's typical for our flesh. I'm proud of you for recognizing it and for being so honest and open about it.
Donnie
fingers must be broken... nothing for 4 dayz lol
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