But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door to pray to your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:6, NRSV)
Some folks know that many moons ago I used to work as the Director of Communication for the national headquarters of the fraternity I joined in college. I would have regular meetings with the executive director to go over my job performance and during one meeting, he needed my opinion: Dr. Joe Walt, the long-time and beloved fraternity historian, was retiring and the fraternity’s board of directors was trying to figure out a unique way to honor his contributions.
I had a particular interest in this situation as the historian was also on the faculty of Simpson College, my alma mater, and he was kind enough to let me live with him one summer while I worked for the town’s local newspaper.
I had what I thought was a great idea: Name the national office’s library after Dr. Walt. The executive director agreed that it was a great idea and he made this recommendation to the board. The directors were unanimous in their praise. The only problem for me was that the executive director essentially took credit for said idea. It bothered me a little at the time, but my bruised ego healed quickly and I now take secret pride in the decision whenever I visit theheadquarters.
It’s tempting sometimes to want “credit” for being faithful. Gold stars for prayers said. Heavenly pats on the back for acts of service. A conflict-free life for following Jesus. A little something for the effort.
Faithful people know, of course, that it doesn’t work that way, but, instead, the rewards we receive come often come in quieter ways and in unexpected packages. A new insight into a tense situation. An inspiration for how to heal your neighborhood. A comforting presence during times of despair. “Coincidences” that happen every day. They’re not the sexiest of rewards, but they’re the rewards that last a lifetime. May God give us the insight to see where they show up.