Sometimes we may feel slighted in life when things we have done are not duly acknowledged. However, is that what our doing is about? If it is, we will be greatly disappointed. However, when our doing is merely about serving a good purpose with no expectation for acknowledgement, we have left no room for disappointment. However, the door is open to the surprise of how and when acknowledgment does arise.
In my years of ministry, I have learned the joy of doing without expectation. There are various aspects of ministry for which I am sometimes gifted some financial compensation when at other times receive none. However, in the offering of various services such as counseling, funerals, weddings, and other such things, there have been times I have felt I was very generously overcompensated for my time. Having never made it about money (such as was Paul’s focus — 1 Corinthians 9:18; 2 Corinthians 11:7) I continue experiencing the joy of connecting with the lives of others while seeking to equip them in some way for moving forward and have still been adequately supported in doing so. There is great joy in being invited to be a part of other’s life experiences.
Rather than feeling slighted, let us continue to focus on the sight of the One Who knows all that we do on behalf of others. (i.e. Hebrews 6:10) Remember Jesus’ exhortation where we read. . .
“(1)Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. (2) Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. (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. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:1-4 ESV)
Whatever it is, it is not to be about being seen. If it is, then be satisfied with that reward. However, when it remains merely about serving to meet whatever the need of the moment might be, even unnoticed or unacknowledged, we will have the reward of God. And even when our works are seen and acknowledged, may it be about glory being given to our Heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:16) In the joy of serving without expectation we will be surprised by the times we do receive the encouraging acknowledgement of others in various ways. Keeping it about being used by God we can experience the ongoing joy of our high calling as His servants bringing glory to Him! May we humbly surrender to serving to His glory and praise!
Have a great day EXPERIENCING JOY IN LIVING IN THE SIGHT OF GOD!
Carl
