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Is it just me? I often hear my dad's voice in my head. He’s usually reminding me not to get a big head. That was his infamous way of making sure none of his seven kids thought too highly of themselves. He was from that Greatest Generation—serving in World War II—doing the jobs that needed done without talking much about it later. His admonition stunted me though. True, I didn’t get a big head, but it also made me a bit timid to put myself out there when it came to servant evangelism. Often, before I could step out and do an outreach, I would be confronted with a fear that I would look like I was doing things for the wrong reasons and drawing attention to myself instead of the Lord. It’s very difficult for someone like me to share God’s love in a practical way because we get tripped up on our “real” motives.

My favorite next door neighbors moved a couple weeks back. The new neighbors have yet to move in. I did catch a glimpse of the wife shoveling the driveway two weeks ago as she was making a way for the painters or carpet layers or some one to gain entry. I was so busy helping my daughter get some major projects done that I didn't have time to go over and introduce myself or lend a hand. I felt bad because I'm sure she felt on display there in the cul-de-sac where every eye in five houses can watch you work away from the comfort of their couches. Did she wonder if we were a bunch of snots for not helping her out? It bothered me all week.

So last Friday after another round of snow I felt like I should go shovel the driveway for the next time they showed up to get into the house. But I was paralyzed. I didn't want "to do my works before men (or the four neighbors)" and get my reward here on earth. I almost stayed inside. Stupid, I know, but this is how ingrained this admonition had become. I checked out the windows, determined that I was home before every one else, and decided to go for it. I grabbed my iPod, clicked on a sermon podcast, grabbed the shovel and headed for the neighbor's driveway.

How amusing...the podcast was dealing with my very issue from Matthew 6. It was such a God moment as the Lord reassured me that He knows my motives and my heart. Just because I was doing a 'good work' in sight of the neighbors didn't necessarily mean I was doing it to be seen by them. If I do good deeds to be seen by others and then am seen by others I have the reward I am looking for. If I do good out of obedience to what I felt was God's prompting then my reward will come from Him when I obey. Big, big difference. It was a very freeing moment as God taught me that it’s ok to be seen when doing good; it’s just not ok to do good to be seen.

Anne Hoke was born and raised in a large New York Italian family.  She married her college sweetheart Jeff, 25 years ago. They live in Dayton Ohio, have 2 kids—AJ and Laura.  As a family they regulary join together in sharing God’s love in practical ways! She currently works for the Dayton Christian School System and its parent ministry Legacy Ministries International as the Communication Manager. She is a member of the Dayton Vineyard—a pretty good church.