SEARCHLIGHT
How do you define success? Do you expect recognition for what you do or are you satisfied with having accomplished the task?
SCRIPTURE
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23,24 NIV
SPOTLIGHT
I was talking with a manager of a large department store in a mall. He related that most people whom he hired had two common characteristics. They had high expectations but low motivation. Unfortunately, they expected a great number of benefits, commendations, and satisfaction for little work, effort, and enthusiasm. Too many of the people who were applying for positions believed they were the answer to that big company’s problems and had to be remunerated for it in money and praise even before having earned either.
When Ronald Reagan was President of the United States, on his oval office desk was a sign which read “There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn’t mind who gets the credit.” What a wise way of defining success and a strategy for becoming the best possible worker who will make great achievements.
President Reagan’s slogan encourages a person to do two things: 1. Be involved! Diligently work. Don’t be slothful with your time, energy, or talents. 2. Be obscure! Don’t desire credit. Just do the work. Don’t work for recognition and reward. Certainly, Ronald Reagan lived by these words which led him to become the most powerful man in the world. Many people never expected him to achieve what he did because he did not have the societal background or education to become President.
Are your expectations in agreement with your motivation? Are you industrious despite not being noticed? To get a proper perspective about success and work you must heed Colossians 3:23,24. The Message states it this way “And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you are serving is Christ.”
Always remember that God does not call us to be successful in worldly ways, but He does call us to be faithful in His ways.
SOMETHING TO DO
Ponder these questions:
- For whom do I work…an employer or Jesus Christ?
- In the end, what do I want to have received for what I have done?
For the next week, do something every day for different people that will be honoring to Jesus Christ, without expecting any credit or acknowledgment. Do your best to avoid receiving any recognition. After the 7 days, evaluate how satisfied you feel.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, I declare this day that from now on, I will work for You. Although I will industriously work for and be paid by my employer, my desire is to bring You honor and glory by what I do. Should I never receive any appreciation, I know that what I do will be seen by You. AMEN!