By Trevor Sutton
Jeremy served as an elder, and his work was never done. He visited with new members. He listened to members with complaints. He made a special effort to pray for the pastor. He helped with weekly services and attended many meetings.
Despite all this, few people understood what Jeremy and the other elders did. Since most of it took place behind the scenes, rare were the thanks they received for all their time and effort.
But Pastor started every single elders meeting by thanking the elders for all they had been doing. Each month, he worked his way through the long list of the visits made and the tasks accomplished by this faithful team in the past month. Then he thanked them for their labors.
While few members knew all the elders did, Pastor understood the time and effort they invested. Pastor also knew that their work went largely unnoticed. And so, month after month, Pastor would conclude each meeting with these words: “Thanks for doing this thankless work!”
Our Lord Jesus never overlooks or underappreciates your service. He sees everything others do not see. He treasures those things that often go unappreciated.
During his earthly ministry, Jesus once healed ten lepers. You know the story. Only one came back to thank him (Luke 17:11–19). The other nine benefited but never said even a simple thank-you. Still, Jesus continued to serve. Doing the heavenly Father’s will brought him joy.
Your Savior wants that same joy for you. Whether or not others thank you, your Lord always notices!
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:23–24 ESV).
You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use when you include this credit line and receive no monetary benefit from it: © 2018 CTA, Inc. Used with permission.
