Colossians 3:23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

Recently, I read a comment someone wrote to someone else on Facebook thanking them for their labors. The words this individual used brought such a great reminder to me about a spiritual principle I have always known but understand better now. She wrote, "Only God knows everything you both do, and I am grateful that HE will repay you.... no one else ever could..."

When I read her comment, it immediately triggered a thought. The desired source of our validation and affirmation will determine our level of blessings as well as our level of satisfaction in all of our efforts.

Let me explain. Today's verse encourages us to "work willingly at WHATEVER we do, as though we are working for the Lord rather than for people."

So, for example, if I would volunteer to help a family in need yet walk away from the experience disappointed that I didn't receive enough gratitude from them ... then I have truly limited what God wanted to do through my life in that situation.

However, if I would take the same situation and walk away THANKING God for the opportunity to serve HIM ... then the gratitude from others would be appreciated but not what fueled my efforts.

In EVERYTHING we do, we need to ask ourselves, "Who am I doing this for?"

Our careers (whether it be managing our homes or working in an industry) are blessings from God.  Even in this area, when we complete our work with the knowledge that we are serving HIM...THEN we are able to work harder and be more satisfied regardless of the responses of others.

Certainly, we should always express our gratefulness to one another. In Philippians 1 when Paul addressed the church in one of his letters, he said, "Every time I think of you I thank God for you." We should make every effort to extend thankfulness to others...and realize that OUR efforts cannot be hindered due to the level of human feedback received.

Matthew 6:19-20 encourages us to store up our "treasures in heaven." When we do everything unto The Lord, our reward...our treasure is GREATER than any thank-you or small token from a person on this earth.

I challenge you to always ask yourself, "Who am I doing this for?" When that answer is God, rest in the knowledge that His resources and blessings are unlimited!

Dear Lord, In times where I may feel unappreciated, help me to always remember the treasures that YOU have stored up for me. But ... please know that the gift You gave to me by giving of Your life was more than I ever deserved.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.