I get it, we all like to be recognized for the things we do. It’s good to feel appreciated. I once was talking with someone and they explained to me how they would always go above and beyond at their workplace only to receive little to no recognition for their efforts. It can be hard to feel underappreciated. So how do we deal with that feeling?
First and foremost we always need to remember who we live for. Romans 14:8 says, “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” This verse highlights how we were made to live for our Creator.
Since we live for God, we should do everything for God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 “Therefore whether you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” This verse tells us that no matter what we do, it should glorify our Heavenly Father. That includes your sports, job, school, even cleaning the house. Colossians 3:23 says “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord, not human masters.” So we shouldn’t be working for the approval of others, but only for the approval of our God Almighty, and we should do everything to the best of our ability to please Him.
The cool thing about working for God? He sees every good thing you do, and it fills Him with joy. Mathew 6:4 “Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” God sees and cares about the little things you do, even when others don’t notice. In fact, God rewards and praises those who do good in secret. “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” Mathew 6:1. Be assured that God sees the good you do in secret, and you will be rewarded for it in time.
In conclusion, we live for the Lord, not man. Because we live for the Lord we should do everything to the best of our ability so that we bring glory and praise to Him. God sees all the good you do, even if others don’t notice, and He will reward you for it eventually.