We all crave validation and recognition, but seeking human applause instead of God’s approval leads to a dangerous trap of performative Christianity. Jesus warns against doing good deeds primarily to be seen by others, as this creates a commercial transaction mentality where we receive temporary recognition but miss God’s eternal reward. The key difference lies in our motives – are we seeking praise for ourselves or deflecting glory to God? Human applause never satisfies and is always temporary, leaving us craving more validation. True freedom comes from finding our identity in Christ and being satisfied in God’s gaze rather than needing the approval of others.

The post The Reward That Lasts first appeared on LifeConnection Church.