Delayed Gratification

February 14, 2013

Opening Hymns:
On Eagle’s Wings 143 (red hymnal)

Scripture Reading:
Psalm 91

Mathew 6:1-6 16-21

Message:

If you had a psychology class, you may remember you professor teaching about the Id, Ego, and Super Ego from Sigmund Freud’s structural model of the psyche. It was theorized that we decided which one controls our actions. The Id wants instant gratification… this part of our psyche reminds me of a toddler begging for candy or juice and throwing a tantrum. They know what they want and they want it NOW. As we grow and mature we are able to wait for our desires and we avoid uncivilized behaviors in order to get what we want, that is the Ego and Super Ego stepping in.

In Mathew 6 we are told, in a sense, to put the Id in check. We are not supposed to pray, donate, or fast in a way that gives glory to ourselves. Instead, Jesus calls us do everything in secret “Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Mathew 6:4). We are told to wait for delayed gratification. So why can’t we show people how much we give, fast, or pray? Recall, for a moment, yesterday’s scriptures. It is not necessarily the act of what we are doing but why we are doing it that makes it pleasing to the Lord. Do we donate because we want praise from everyone else for our good deeds? Or do we give because we want to help the needy just as Jesus helped the needy. If it is the latter then serving God is our reward.

If we serve God in secret we might not get praise from our fellow human beings for what we have done and our earthy reward may be limited. However, each selfless gift draws us closer to God and it helps us become more like Jesus.

 
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, help us become more spiritually mature. Guide our thoughts and actions and let us not seek instant gratification here on earth. Instead, help our hearts focus on serving You. Let our focus be on helping and uplifting others and praising You. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Closing Hymn
Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh301.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God