This one I have struggled with. We are told works can’t get us to heaven and we are told there will be a reward for our works. The only conclusion I have been able to come to, is that it is a heart condition. What are our motives for doing good? Do we do them from a heart of love, to be seen, because we think we are supposed to, we want praise or maybe all of them?
1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Matthew 6:1-3 Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But, when you do a charitable deed, do not let your right hand know what your left hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.
Proverbs 27:2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger and not your own lips.
Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxieties; and see if their is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
