I was reading a story today about a man who taught Bible study classes at his local church. He went to seminary school and during the course of his education, he realized that he had given a woman in his class some wrong information. Once he realized his error, he raced home to call her and correct his mistake. During the conversation the woman asked basically who he was, because she could not remember him nor the interaction between the two of them.
My question is how important are we really in another persons life? My answer is that it depends. If you are a son/daughter, spouse, or have children, then I would say that you are pretty important. However, to the rest of the world maybe not as much as we think nor would like.
Oh too often, we want to think that we have influenced a person at some point only to realize that we have not, but should that be our main goal? By trying to get recognized for our help or achievements or gifts or talents or influence etc, are we not already seeking our reward?
It has been mentioned in the Bible that seeking such things will cause you problems.
Matthew 6:1 New International Version (NIV)
Giving to the Needy
6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Whatever you do, remember that you are to do it for the Lord so He can have all the praise and glory. That is not easy with our world that pushes recognition, recognition, recognition. Also, remember that the Lord is powerful enough to use whatever you say or do for good, even if it is a mistake.