It’s nice when your efforts are noticed, isn’t it? It’s nice to be appreciated, nice to be thanked, nice to be recognized publicly. One of my pastor jobs is to pay attention to the volunteers in our ministries and acknowledge them every chance I get. I like it when people see that I have worked hard on something and done a good job. Sometimes just a smile is enough to keep me going.

But what about when nobody notices your efforts, or people notice and say nothing? Does that send you into an emotional tailspin? Or when you see others thanked, does it drip bitterness into your soul? Does it make you not want to volunteer for another thing or give another dime? Slow down, my friend. Deep breaths. Listen to the words of your Savior: “So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty’” (Luke 17:10).

Remember for whom you are working and giving. In which direction is the worship supposed to be going? Toward you? Of course not. Toward your Savior! You can find immense satisfaction in giving him the gift of yourself. Know that whenever you imitate his spirit of self-sacrifice, you put a smile on his face. Take humble satisfaction also in knowing that you have made someone else’s life better.

Recognition is frosting.