Thoughts after today's sermon

Matthew 6 begins with telling us that we are not to do good deeds to be noticed by men. If our motive is to be recognized by men, then we receive that reward when we are recognized, commended, praised, noticed. But, Jesus says that we shouldn't let our left hand know what our right hand is doing. In other words, we shouldn't want any recognition from people for doing good. These words have been in my mind all day and I have some serious questions and concerns.

In the world (school, sports, etc.) our children are awarded medals, trophies, grades, and such for their hard work and their achievements. I am a part of that. This gives kids incentive to do their best and to realize that as they grow up, life will treat them that way. Doing good, working hard, being all they can be = A successful, prosperous, fulfilling life. Right? After all, that is the way the world works.

But, how about in our churches? I wonder if we are doing what Jesus would have us do by giving children rewards for memorizing scripture, bringing a Bible to church, knowing the books of the Bible, etc. Those achievements are definitely worth working toward and encouraging our children to strive for. But are we teaching them exactly what Jesus said not to do? I think of this especially when I see adults given "awards" at church for various services and achievements. Really? Definitely against what scripture teaches...at least it seems so to me.

I read in a book recently (can't recall which one) that our "award system" in our children's programs at church are so off-base that we need to step back and re-evaluate what we are doing. For example, a child never misses Sunday School for 3 months, brings a Bible with them, and always knows their memory verse. After 3 months, we give that child an opportunity to get something from the "box" (which is filled with kid-friendly dollar store items). But, the child who struggles to get his/her parents up in time to get to Sunday School, never remembers (and is never reminded by a parent) to bring a Bible, let alone learn a memory verse, does not get this chance. Wow! That stings! And, yet, we do it, week after week, year after year.

I have been as guilty of this as anyone, but it has hit me hard today. We are teaching our kids that doing what God asks of us is rewarded when people at church evaluate your works. In reality, we are showing them that they should do good deeds and we will reward them. So, it would seem we are teaching them that their motive is "to be recognized by men".

Am I simply off on a tangent? Maybe. Tell me what you think...anyone who wonders.