Have you ever seen someone who was very proud of the good work they did? Maybe they had their name announced or inscribed on something. This is not necessarily bad, but it can lead to a pompous attitude and lifestyle. This is possibly why he says in Matthew 6:1-4, “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
There is something to be said of humility, especially in ministry. It can be tempting to think, “I did this,” when a ministry or event was successful. However, this is a dangerous thought. Nothing is truly successful when done without the Lord. God blesses a humble attitude. Jesus previously said in Matthew 5:5 that the humble will inherit his kingdom. When anything is done with humility, the reward will be greater. Recognition is not a bad thing when the recognition goes to the Lord.