NOT FOR APPLAUSE

Discussion

Using a parable, Jesus teaches a very important lesson here. The verse above sums up His intended message hidden within the parable. He began by teaching them about faith, and how if you'd only have faith as a mustard seed you can command a Sycamine tree to be supernaturally transported. Meaning your faith expressed is the secret to achieving the impossible. If you'd only have faith, nothing would be impossible to you. It will unlock systems and processes that would ultimately bring to pass that very thing you're expecting. Hallelujah! As children of God, we are proof producers, and this is executed by our faith in Him. We go around proving to our world that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and is seated right now in the place of highest authority in the whole universe, and we are seated with Him. When we say this to people, they think us crazy. So we provide the evidence through our faith in His name. In His name we cast out devils, heal all sicknesses, raise the dead, come out of life-threatening situations unhurt and even lay down our lives for others to experience God's indescribable love. All this we achieve through the mechanism of faith in Him and in His name. However dear child of God, something tragic happens to your devotion to God when you expect the applause of men and their appreciations when the workings of your faith produces the desired result.

Jesus teaches us here to carry out our assignment because it is our assignment, not because we expect some appreciation from the people we serve. Even in secular employment and business, you'll find that you're more successful when you give yourself to delivering excellent products and services with the purpose of satisfying your customers than if you did it just for profit. You'll be of greater value to your bosses and colleagues at work if you'd only be diligent in excellent service delivery than if you carried out your assignment just to get their appreciations and commendations. The constant expectation of appreciation will almost always yield disappointment and dissatisfaction. Therefore, learn from this teaching today. Whether it's ministry assignments, or in your business, or at your job, or even in marriage, serve with all of your heart, not as unto men, but as unto God, not expecting the applause of men but only to please your Father who sent you.