Applause is all you get

 Matthew 6:5-8

The Lord’s Prayer

5] “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. [6] 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.

[7] “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. [8] Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Luke 18:14

[14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

What’s the principle here? Is this limited to our prayers? Who has the bragging rights about anything. If we are seeking to improve our visibility and status, it may happen. But the applause of people may be the only approval we get. Does this apply to putting our names on donations to be published in promotional brochures? Announcements on the radio? Getting up in church to promote our cause under the guise of look what I’m doing?  

There is no need to grandstand yourself when you are in awe of what God is doing. If you are participating in God’s work, there will be opposition and persecution. The focus is on God’s work not self promotion.