I was given a gym membership by a good friend of mine. He wanted me to help him get back in shape after a back surgery. Which I was only too happy to do, and it gives me a chance to get in shape as well. I have been struggling with painful knees, ankles and hips, so being able to run on an eliptical trainer instead of the ground has helped. My daughter bought her own membership and likes to go with us to the gym.
So when we are on the cardio machines, there is a group of guys that tends to come in at the same time and lift weights below us. My daughter and I can't help but notice them. Truth is nobody in the gym can help but notice them. They grunt, and bark, and carry on. They drop the weights, and yell at each other. They attract a lot of attention.
Now the other day a friend I met at the gym was working out at the same time. He is a former professional body builder. He is much much bigger than these guys, and way stronger. He is working out by himself, and using very heavy weight. I am watching him, because he is a friend, but no one else is noticing him.
And I thought to myself, how much I am like the other group. Making lots of noise, getting noticed, acting like what I am doing is a big deal. While there are so many wonderful people that are like my friend, just quietly doing what they do, at a far greater level. I want to be more like that. I think that is what Jesus was talking about when he said not to give so others see you, and to pray in private.
Not sure what that means for my blog though :)
rev
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4 comments:
Jesus said to go as far as closing the door at home, it really sounds like he wanted to go as far as hiding those acts. That does really sound like he's against anything that is showing other people how you are doing good things. But then the bible got it self written, so we much be missing the point: Anything is wrong when it seeks self gratification, this shouldn't make the job of a teacher impossible. Part of teaching is example.
Hrm, I'm not sure what I'm trying to say, but there is a contradiction involved.
I've been thinking about this one lately too.
If Bill Gates and Warren Buffet give to charity so publicly and loudly, they may have the wrong motive, they may be craving a legacy or self gratification, but it probably will inspire other people to do the same and for the people being fed and educated that is better yes? Perhaps doing these good deeds loudly could replace owning huge houses and cars as the ultimate in status symbols!
(And for the record, I'm not saying that Gates and Buffet ARE doing things for a wrong reason. I don't know them.)
I feel the same way and always admire the quiet types and try to be more like that.
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