Colossians 3 tells us that if we do our work—whatever it is—for the Lord, we'll receive a heavenly reward for it.

 

Just think about the difference it would make in your life if you were truly striving for God's approval on your job. First, you would be free from that driving need to be recognized by people. The praise of people is very fickle and undependable. If you are truly seeking God's rewards, then whether or not you receive earthly rewards will become less and less important to you.

 

It won't wipe you out when your boss doesn't show appreciation, or when someone else gets a promotion you think you deserve. You'll have that abiding peace and knowledge that God has a reward for you far greater than anything your company or manager could offer.

 

It means that you'll do good work day in and day out, whether it's rewarded by man or not, because you report to Jesus and he has said that you can know you're going to get a reward from him when your work is done with excellence.

 

When you're working for the Lord's approval, for his rewards, you're free from being a slave to people. You no longer have to kill yourself to try to get someone to notice you. You don't have to try to be super-person in order to impress people. When you know you're going to get your reward from the Lord, it matters less and less to you that people may or may not recognize your contribution. You're free from that control, that need to please others in order to be acceptable.

 

God has rewards to give us. They are eternal, and if we're smart, they're the ones we'll desire. They will drive our ambitions. I have a deep desire to hear my Lord say to me, "Well done, good and faithful servant." I know my work has to meet his standards, but I know it's possible to receive that reward. In comparison to that, earthly recognition loses its appeal and glamour.

 

Who and what are you working for today—people's recognition or God's?