Work for the Lord

“54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 

                                                                                                                                                  - 1 Corinthians 15:54-58

It can get tiresome, doing good things for others and not getting any recognition. Not feeling valued. Being under-appreciated, is defeating. It can leave us resentful and full of anger and bitterness. It can turn us cold and indifferent. But it shouldn't! If it does, it is because of our own selfishness. That doesn't sound right does it? How is it that when we do something for others that generates thanklessness rather than thankfulness, we are the guilty ones for feeling as though what we do isn't important or no one loves us for it? It is because, whatever we do, isn't being done for the Lord or really for anyone else. We are doing for our own satisfaction. God will not grant us the satisfaction. 

When we do it for the Lord, whatever “it” may be, then we are not concerned with man's praise. What people think or how they respond to what we have done doesn't change how we feel inside. It doesn't cause us to feel anything. Only what God says about us will matter. So, we work for the Lord, in every way. And, we accept His gratitude as more than enough. We do not work for the Lord in order to be saved. We work for the Lord because we are already saved. Working and serving others is by and large, how we work and serve the Lord. Therefore, our service to others should be viewed in the same respect. We do it, not for recognition or praise or even for thanks. Rather, we serve one another, out of love and appreciation for what God has done and is doing in and through us.