Matthew 6:1-4 (ESV), 1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 2 Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Apparently in Jesus’s day, some Jews made a great show while doing good deeds. They probably wanted social status and for people to look up to them. In some sense, we all want others to respect and to like us, so none of us are free from seeking approval from others.
Judging another person’s motive is dangerous. Why? Because Jesus said, “Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged. 2 For you will be judged by the same standard with which you judge others, and you will be measured by the same measure you use.” Matthew 7:1-2 (CSB)
Consequently, we think it wise to follow Jesus’s directions to do our good deeds in secret, but at the same time not to judge others when they do things in a public, showy manner.
Our gracious Father will surely reward us for our services to glorify His name. Jeremiah 17:10 (NKJV), “I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.” We have this sure promise, but how and when God blesses us may confuse some. The reward may be a closer walk with our Lord or greater understanding of God’s purposes. These spiritual rewards may not be valued by those who seek the status of men.
Also, the timing of some rewards is not immediate. Luke 14:14 (NKJV), “And you will be blessed,…for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” In the resurrection, the saints will be rewarded with a divine body and rule with Jesus. The rest of the world will learn righteousness. Those who learn to love God with their whole being will receive earthly paradise. Christ will say to restored mankind, “…take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.” Matthew 25:34 (NIV). Those who expect God and men to honor them now, have “their reward now” as Jesus said.