TAKE HEART
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24
Have you ever experienced the pain and disappointment of having our efforts ignored, minimised, or criticised by others? How we respond to criticism does not only indicates our level of spiritual maturity, but also determines our outcome. One very useful way to handle criticism is to remember that whatever you do, you do it “unto the Lord.” The verses above clearly convey the perspective we should have in all we do. If we focus on pleasing God and doing our best in everything, we won't be so resentful, hurt, or discouraged when others don't appreciate or reward our efforts.
Instead, we can rest secure in the knowledge that God is fully aware of our efforts, and He will see to it that we get the recognition and reward we deserve in His perfect way and timing. Even if those we are working for are continually unreasonable or unfair, we can take heart from God's reassurance that nothing can hinder the Lord from rewarding us for our good works.
There may be times when it looks like others are succeeding in delaying or preventing our progress, but the truth is that when God decides to bless and promote His people, no person on earth and no devil in hell can stop Him. If you can relate to this message today, let me encourage you to get your eyes off other people and get them squarely on God. Work hard and do your best in all you do, trusting that the Lord Himself will honour you for it, even if others don't. The Lord is faithful.
Prayer: Thank you Lord, for you are my reward. I believe my labour in you will never be in vain.
Scriptural Reading: Colossians 3:22-25
