Shortly after Jane became a Christian, the pastor of her church, noticing her bubbly nature, urged her to join the church’s hospitality unit as a Meet and Greet steward. Excited at the prospect of serving God, she threw herself into welcoming congregants and visitors alike, and serving the refreshments after services. At first, everything was wonderful and everyone agreed that her great personality was just what the church needed, but within six months, Jane began turning up to church mid-service and dashing off before the benediction; and soon her attendance tapered off.
‘I can't do this anymore, Pastor.’ She said. Gone were her friendly smile and the sparkling joy with which she carried out her duties. ‘Some of the church members are so rude – they refuse to sit where you ask them to, they hog the aisle seats, not caring about the disruption this causes during the service. The children are unruly, and their parents snap at you when you politely ask that they keep them under control…’ On went the catalogue of complaints.
If you have ever served in any capacity within the church, you will recognise Jane’s frustration. When we commit to serve in a ministry, we justifiably expect fellow church members to appreciate what we do, and make it easy for us to serve God together, so it comes as a shock when we are not only unappreciated, but are criticised or even abused.
How do you deal with such situations? Grit your teeth and suffer the insults, or forget the whole thing? Like Jane above, you may have chosen to take a back seat, rather than face continued hostility from those who should value you the most, or you may even have decided you will no longer have anything to do with Christians and ministry. If you are like me though, that small voice inside will occasionally remind you of God’s requirement that you serve Him with your all.
Take solace from Paul’s words in Colossians 3:23-24 (KJV);
…and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
In Philippians 2:5, he further admonishes us to think like Jesus Christ who, because of the promise that lay ahead of him, took on the position of a slave and subjected himself to a horrific death on the cross, rather than assert his status as God. He kept his eyes on the reward of the inheritance – you and me.
When carrying out your service to God, keep your eyes on the prize – Jesus Christ. Be like David and seek your affirmation from God. Whenever you feel discouraged, get into God’s presence and let Him remind you of the promise that awaits you. Bring your hurts to him and let him heal your wounds. Then go a step further and pray for those you have been called to serve. It is difficult to stay mad at someone you are praying for.
I was recently reminded of the saying that the graveyard is full of many who did not fulfil their potential in life. I believe one of the reasons is the discouragement that arises out of feeling unappreciated. So let me encourage you today – God appreciates every service you offer to Him out of a sincere heart. He even says so in these words:
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. (Heb 6:10 KJV)
…So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. (Galatians 6:9 NLT)
A great inheritance awaits those who faithfully serve Him both now and in eternity – so let us do what the book of Hebrews says and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith.
© Toyin Onabowu – also published in Reflections Online Magazine