I have seen many times others doing work that appears to be wholesome and in the interest of Christ and His plans in life, only to be disappointed at the self-promotion that comes from the doing of the work. I have seen those that are assisting those in need only to make it well known that they were there and that they are seen as doing the work. I have also seen those that take advantage of the opportunities to gain from and lord over others as not having done the same.
“29Why then do you scorn my sacrifices and my offerings that I commanded for my dwelling, and honor your sons above me by fattening yourselves on the choicest parts of every offering of my people Israel?” — 1 Samuel 2:29 (ESV)
Too often, there are those that look down on others that are not “doing as they do” and they seem to count themselves as greater than everyone else and somehow deserve the finer things that everyone else provides for them. I am sure it is seen by others than just me and the view is a little perplexing, especially when these that are looking down profess to being Christ followers.
“35And I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind. And I will build him a sure house, and he shall go in and out before my anointed forever.” — 2 Samuel 2:35 (ESV)
And there we have it. God is looking to provide for those that do according to His heart and mind. Those that are faithful to God are those that will be provided for. Those that do the will of God for His glory and not their own will be counted as faithful and will be honored and those that go against God will not.
“30Therefore the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I promised that your house and the house of your father should go in and out before me forever,’ but now the LORD declares: ‘Far be it from me, for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed.’” — 2 Samuel 2:30 (ESV)
I choose to do the work of Christ. I have found myself not being recognized for the work that I do and will admit that it bothers me to go unnoticed in the world. I have commented many times to Lori that I feel insignificant and that it is frustrating and demoralizing to be seemingly ignored. I have to remember these verses as I move through this world and make note that it is not about what actions others see me perform for God. It is about my faithful obedience and the bringing of glory to Him that matters. The notoriety of the world is of no consequence and I should only be concerned with the notoriety of God and not man.
What is it that you believe you should be recognized? Are you concerned with what others see you accomplish? What if you were to simply be faithful to God in your heart and mind and allowed Him to honor you?
Trevor's Thoughts 