No One Notices

Recently, this author received an interesting phone call. A citizen of Waycross called concerning the sign outside of the building. Until recently, one of the members of the congregation was in charge of putting messages on the board. Since that time, this author has been placed over what appears on the sign. She remarked on how she loves the messages which have been placed on the board and goes home to read the scripture references. She even pointed out a small error made on the sign. (Cited Proverbs 23:1 when it should have been 22:1. Accidents happen but it shows she paid attention). After giving her an invitation to join us for worship sometime she also wanted to remark on the work one of the members does to the yard. She remarked on the yard being well kept. The author promised to let the member know that his work is appreciated. Her closing remarks were, “I wanted you to know that the work that is being done has not gone unnoticed. Thank you.” Needless to say, her kind words was greatly appreciated.

This was not stated to boast but to make a point to Christians. Ever feel like making the statement, “No one pays attention to the work I do”? Many in the workplace feel as if the long hours spent on projects go overlooked by those who run the show. The time and effort feel like a waste when the wrong people get the credit. This is true of many Christians. Often individuals will feel underappreciated for the work they do for the Lord. Should Christians ever feel this way?

While Our Work May Go Unnoticed on Earth, We Have a Heavenly Audience. The Proverbs writer said, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” (Prov. 15:3). Yes, God sees the great evil which occurs on this planet but He is just as mindful of the good work which Christians do. Take the time to read and study Neh. 3. It is there that one may read of those who helped in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem and those who helped in the process. Why would God take the time to name these individuals by name? He knew the good work which was being done and recorded it for generations to come.

He Knows the Names of Those Who Work. Look to Paul’s letter to those in Phillipi. “And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.” (Phil. 4:3). Are all of these fellowlabourers named by name? No. Does that make them any less important in the eyes of God? No. Their names are known by Him because they are in His book of life. That means God not only knows the work which these individuals are doing but He knows them by name.

The Christian’s Reward is Much Greater Than ANY Earthly Praise. God has a reward awaiting Christians which surpasses anything any man can say. “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” (Phil. 3:20-21). Paul also referred to it as a crown of righteousness that not only would he receive but all them who love the Lord (2 Tim. 4:6-8). An eternity in Heaven is the “job well done” that Christians receive for their service to God.

If one ever feels that he his work for the church has gone unnoticed, that he deserves better than this, or that he is done working without proper recognition. Please remember that God is aware of the good work which is being accomplished. He also knows the names of those who are working. While one may not get the proper credit here on earth, God will reward that one at the end of this life.