25 July | Youth
«Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.» 1 Corinthians 15:58
Doing your best and not being recognized sometimes generates frustration, not to mention rebellion. Who does not get happy when they receive proper recognition for a task well done? Great leaders learn early about the power of praise and the strength of recognition. But not everyone is good at praising.
There are people who can see one mistake among a thousand rights and, even so, are unable to give due value to those who got it right a thousand times. Unfortunately, many people only know how to criticize. People who act like this are unable to leave a positive legacy and experience loneliness as a reward.
A group of young people got together to join forces and dig a hole for the septic tank of a newly built church. They traveled long distances to that community to perform this good deed. Although the initiative was commendable, there were obstacles to overcome. Some church leaders felt that the expenses for transportation and food would be greater than the contribution these young people could make.
In general, joint efforts do not yield much. Ironically, the opposite happened that day. Their work took off. The young people not only dug the hole, but also built all the masonry of the pit. The only thing missing was the lid, for a technical reason. When one of the elders evaluated the work, he exclaimed: “Didn't I say it would not work?! They just made the hole and left. Someone is going to break their leg there.” When pessimism takes the place of recognition, there is only one result: failure.
Have you ever been tempted to give up doing your best for God just because the best you could give was not recognized by people? Do not fall into this temptation! Do not let the enemy's opposition discourage you. The devil is an expert in this and can even use people from the church to conduct this evil work.
Move forward! Give your best to God because, for Him, everything we do, even if it is a contribution considered small for human beings, will not go without due reward. God is just and loving. He knows how to recognize the efforts of those who place all their trust in Him.