Who REALLY Notices?

Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

Ephesians 6:7 

 

I love listening to the stories people tell, especially when the storyteller talks about the things I can remember.  I remember using a dial phone.  I remember using a metal ice tray with a handle on it. I remember when the freezer was referred to as the "ice box."  I remember, at some point, going to the church on Saturday to help cut the grass and make sure everything was ready for Sunday.

 

One story, in particular, I heard was about Michaelangelo.  The Pope had offered him a job painting the ceiling of one of the chapels.  Now Michaelangelo's passion was sculpting, not painting.  And he almost didn't take the job, but he decided this would be an opportunity for more work and he took the job.  Well...four years and over 400 figures and 9 scenes later, he had changed more than the chapel; he had changed the entire direction of art!  

 

One of the priests who had been observing Michaelangelo work asked him why he spent so much time getting every detail right in the corners when no one will even see in the corners.  Michaelangelo's response was priceless: "God will see."

 

There is a song, I may have used before, by Jimmy Buffett that addresses why we shouldn't work for recognition.  It's called "It's My Job" and is a string of stories about why people do what they do when no one seems to notice...their answer is always the same, "It's my job."  Yet I challenge you to view all that we do from the perspective of Michaelangelo.  True, no one may notice the hours you put in; no one may notice the emotional, physical, spiritual toll you pay in doing what needs doing; no one may notice....but God does.

 

If we seek the recognition of others, then we will get that temporary moment of triumph.  If we go about our lives with the understanding that God sees, then God's rewards for us are eternal.  Not a certificate. Not a photo op. Not a plaque or trophy. ETERNAL rewards.

What If No One Notices?

When you fast, do not look sullen like the hypocrites, for they make their faces unattractive so that people will see them fasting. I tell you the truth, they have their reward. When you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others when you are fasting, but only to your Father who is in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.

Matthew 6:15-18

 

Ever wonder why you do the right thing and try so hard when it doesn't seem as though anyone notices?  It really is frustrating, at times, when you are doing your best and no one seems to care.  Let me offer a bit of perspective: Should we slack off just because we don't think anyone notices or cares?  And here's one more nugget of perspective: If you are reading this, then I presume you are a believer, so ask yourself 'who am I trying to impress?'

 

You see, we can spend all sorts of time and be as inventive and creative as DaVinci, but that doesn't mean we will please everyone.  In fact, we will usually tick someone off!  Investing yourself wholeheartedly has a reward and a toll.  That toll may be your family or your health.  Before trying to impress people, count the cost and see if the reward is worth the toll.

 

You see, in reality, we are working for God.  And God makes it very clear that if we work to impress people, then we have our reward and it is fleeting.  But when we work for God, we aren't showy with it, we don't seek publicity or notoriety or recognition.  When we do God's work we just do it humbly, quietly, and remembering that God sees us whether anyone else does or not, and God's rewards last a lot longer than anything people can bestow.

 

Now for a confession.  I realize this may shock most of you, but I like being quiet.  I like quiet places that spark my mind to think. I rather believe I would have made a good Hobbit at some point in life because I like the peaceful quiet found in introspection and, being an introvert, the ability to ponder and contemplate in secret.  You see, when we do God's work remembering that we are working for God, then we are doing it in secret and God sees us in our secret places and rewards us openly.

 

Psalm 91:1-2 "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”  

 

Think on that.

 

How Do You Work?

Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

Ephesians 6:7

I've mentioned before, once or twice, that I have the honor and privilege of serving some of the weirdest, stubborn, collection of oddballs God brought together under the banner of the Richland County Sheriff's Department.  I have watched this family come together to support one another in times of grief and pain, and I have been part of this same family praying for each other. 

One of the things that stands out about those who are part of this family, is the enthusiasm with which they go about their duties!  True, every single one will have those "wilderness" times when things just get all out of whack, and these are the times we need to step back and regroup.

I always look forward to Fridays to see the photos of the Deputies giving the children High-Fives as they enter the schools.  The smiles and enthusiasm are addictive and contagious!  

Let me put a different perspective on this: When I am enthusiastic about a what I get to do, my day FLIES by!  When I am not so enthused (having to sit in endless meetings, classes, etc.) then my day drags!  Two options to the same 9 hours each day.  

What good is it to try to impress enough to get another certificate or trophy or some trinket?  They only represent moments in time.  When we remember that we work for God then it's His reward we will receive which will represent our entire life's work for all eternity!  Which would you prefer?

 

Enduring or Preparing!

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. 

Afterward they will receive the crown of life 

that God has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12 

 

Have you ever thought you were stuck, or being punished, or feel you've been banished to some faraway land of the forgotten?  I have.  I have felt as though I were being banished where I would have not much really to accomplish.  I have also been stuck in a place where my every move was monitored and my supervisor's idea of supervising was standing directly over me pointing out how wrong my every move was in his eyes.

It's horribly inconvenient to feel stuck.  It's easy to feel extremely demeaned to be put somewhere you didn't ask to be or doing something you don't like doing.  Our minds, believe it or not, are geared to seek the negative FIRST.  We are wired to believe the worst because things to change to suit us immediately.

But look at what James tells us.  First, we will have challenges and we must be patient and keep doing what we know is right (that's called ENDURING).  Second comes the promise, "Afterward they WILL receive the crown of life."  Enduring challenges has its rewards.  And here's the best part, God is the one who promised the rewards!

Be patient and keep doing what is right!