Last night I attended a state Chamber of Commerce sponsored reception at the Governor’s mansion meeting him and his wife, the Lt. Governor, and several other folks of import.
As the night progressed I met a young man who impressed me as being very smart and quick thinking, who seemed advanced far beyond his years. As I spoke with him he told me he was an Executive Vice President with the Chamber.
I asked him how he liked working there and he responded that he absolutely loved his job. He then wistfully looked off into space and remarked how important the work that he is doing is to our state, and how it gave him a tremendous amount of satisfaction to be a part of it. He used the example of how he and another fellow had worked closely together to forge a legislative bill and get it passed. Their bill resulted in $250 million dollars being invested, which in turn created 450 jobs, and is slated to bring on board another $250 million and another 450 jobs shortly. That’s a lot of families that are enjoying employment in this state and a nice shot in the arm to our suffering economy, all because of his effort.
He laughed as he said, “I’m probably the only person that knows about it, but at least it gives me tremendous satisfaction to know that I accomplished something of such importance and value”.
I smiled and told him that effort of that nature coupled with excellent results has a way of getting out over time. I advised him to keep fighting the good fight stating, “You might be surprised to see where your hard effort will take you in time”.
As I was driving home I thought of all of those employed people who would likely never even learn of this young man’s efforts on their behalves, much less be in a position to thank him for helping them and their families gain employment.
This is reminiscent to me of those who steadily perform the important work of Jesus Christ. Often it seems as though it may go unrecognized by others, (and indeed “we” may never see the results of our own effort in this lifetime). But as sure as the sun rises this morning, God sees and hears it all and one day our eyes will be opened as well.
I cannot speak for others but it gives me a tremendous amount of personal satisfaction to do the important work of the Lord, be it teaching a class at a local prison, distributing my book to those who might benefit from it, speaking and offering my testimony be it to thousands or one on one, writing WFTD, giving of my time, anonymously donating money to an important cause, or whatever.
Most of the time my effort goes unrecognized, (and/or unappreciated), by others, but that’s okay, Jesus Christ appreciates it and He’s the one I work for. I don’t ever want to do it to be seen by men (unless I can encourage others to follow my example). The Bible in fact states that if the purpose of our work on His behalf is merely to be seen or heard of men, then we lose any reward we might have gleaned from Him; (and the praise of men will be our ONLY reward).
Hmmm… That’s a no-brainer…
This new year I urge you to find an important project that you can do for Christ. Don’t worry about recognition from others, focus on doing the Lord’s work. A more important undertaking you will never find, and it’s sure to give you tremendous satisfaction. Further God’s compensation is unsurpassed and the benefits are everlasting life with no sickness, suffering, weeping, discouragement, or tears, guaranteed. (Everlasting free health care – Now that beats the heck out of Obamacare – does it not?)
I love the sound of those words, “everlasting life” don’t you? Privately pray about your project right now – won’t you?
Have a great weekend and go to church this Sunday!
Matt. 6:6
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.