By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

Day 1: Secret Service Mission Series

God's Secret Service

1 Samuel 12:24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.

Have you ever wondered how the Secret Service Agency began and received its name? This agency was started after the Civil War--interestingly, not to protect the President but to actually stop widespread COUNTERFEITING. In 1901, after three Presidential assassinations, the focus was shifted to the protection of the President and other governmental leaders.

I would like to take a moment to shed a little light on counterfeiting. The word "counterfeit" is defined as "deceptive" and "insincere."

Jesus talks about hypocritical or "counterfeit" behavior in Matthew 6. In this chapter, He reveals that there are THREE things expected of every Christian: giving to the needy, praying and fasting. Jesus also instructs believers NOT to do these things like the "hypocrites." He uses this word three times in this chapter to describe those who do good to receive honor from others.

Matthew 6:1 warns, "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."

These hypocrites announced their good deeds in the streets with trumpets, and they made sure to pray on the street corners for others to see. When fasting, they disfigured their faces and walked around somber to "display" their actions.

They were doing "good" things through giving, praying and fasting, but their motives were insincere resulting in "counterfeit" service to God.

When you seek out the approval and praise of man, Jesus cautions that the praise of man is the only reward you will then receive. However, when you do things selflessly, out of your love for God with NO strings attached, only then "...your Father, who sees what is done in SECRET, will reward you." (Matthew 6:4)

So, how can we be part of God's Secret Service? 1 Peter 4:10 instructs, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to SERVE others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." 

I challenge you today to use whatever gifts, talents and resources God has given you to then bestow upon others regardless of what you may receive in return. This challenge is really not that difficult when we consider "what great things He has done" for us as today's verse encourages.

Dear Lord, Forgive me for times that I sought validation from man instead of seeking Your approval. I thank You that You are a good God and that You store up treasures in Heaven for those who are faithful to sincerely do Your work.

I also thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.