Small, Unseen Acts - Cultivating a Still Heart in a Noisy World

“Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6, NIV)

Have you ever word vomited about an act of kindness to someone that you realized afterwards should have stayed private? I know I have. It’s almost like I tell myself, “don’t say it, don’t say it….” and then it just comes out.

But if we’re honest, it never feels as good to be seen as we hope that it will. That’s because there’s something so beautiful, so fulfilling about obedience to God in the unseen. There’s something about His delight over us that lingers far longer than fleeting moments of being seen by others.

That’s why Matthew 6:6 is so powerful: “Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

If we truly are God’s daughters, the idea of a reward should be something that excites us. Just like when we were little, the idea of our father telling us we’re getting ice cream if we clean our room is fun, and it should be!

But when looking at this through a Kingdom perspective, what spiritual reward comes from quiet faith?

Friend, it’s not material promises or blessings, like some might believe. Yes, God might choose to give you the house, the car, or the job because of your obedience, but that’s not promised. When we choose to serve God and others in private, what is promised is the fruit that the Holy Spirit gives.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Don’t get me wrong, a new car right about now seems pretty great, but I’ll take receiving and being filled with the fruit any day.

Friends, quiet faith means choosing obedience and faithfulness even if others never see it. But with Jesus, we can trust that He sees, He delights in your act of faithfulness, and He rewards you with His spirit and the fruit that it yields. That’s pretty sweet if you ask me.

Challenge:

Do one hidden act of kindness today without seeking to be seen. Worship afterwards and remind yourself of the joy that comes when we are seen only by God.