What Do You Work For?

Have you ever done something for someone that you really put a lot of work into, and then it just didn’t seem appreciated? You plan, work, and do your best. They said thank you, but they didn’t get excited about your effort like you thought they should. You walk away feeling “unappreciated” and unfulfilled. You might even nurse these “hurt” feelings to the point where you become mopey and sullen. And still no one knows why or anything about it.

But what really caused the problem in the first place? It is usually stems from a mixture of miscommunication and unreal expectations. Maybe they appreciated it more than you think but they just didn’t share that sentiment with you. Maybe you are such good friends that they sometimes take it for granted that you understand how they feel. If you asked, you might find that they really appreciated your gesture. Yet even if they didn’t, you need to ask yourself why you did whatever you did in the first place. Realistically, if you do things just for peoples praise or gratitude, you are setting yourself up for disappointment.

So how can we avoid putting ourselves in these predicaments? Yes I said putting ourselves. In most cases it starts with us.

1. Communicate – this includes listening as well as talking. Many times we may think someone wants a certain event to happen, but if we just asked, we would find they may think differently. If your disappointed, talk to them about it. Good communication solves many issues.

2. Refocus – When you do something good, work first as you are working to the Lord. Sure you can do things for others, but really we sound do things regardless of being noticed or rewarded. If we are working for the Lord, our best will never be disappointing or unseen.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 ESV

Never stop doing good. Just be sure you are doing it for the right reason.