WF Pride

Recognition and Respect of Others

Chad Cottingham

I can remember sitting in the principal’s office for the first time. Not as a student, but as a teacher, going over my year-end evaluation. It was nerve wracking for someone just out of college and trying to make a mark on the world. What was he going to say? What did I do wrong? Do I get to keep my job? It went very well. He praised and recognized my efforts and talents. We worked on goals and strategies for the upcoming year – areas of weakness that I needed to improve in. Following that initial evaluation, I made sure I did everything exactly as he wanted. I strived to please him and make him happy in order to keep the recognition coming.

People work hard day after day, week after week, month after month and year after year. The recognition they receive from the boss can be very exhilarating. They look forward to it, they long for it, and it makes them feel appreciated and valued. However, sometimes the praise and recognition can become addictive. The focus becomes to please others. The hard work and efforts are designed to gain the desired recognition and praise.

Now don’t get me wrong, receiving praise and recognition is a really good thing. It feels nice to be recognized on a job well done. However, the only praise that really matters is what comes from God. When we die, we will stand before him and all we have done will be put on display. How we lived and who we lived for will be revealed and we will have to answer for it. Was is for man? Or was it for God? As we work our jobs each day, no matter what they are, and no matter where they are, do it as if you’re working for the Lord. Colossians 3:23 says “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people” ~ NLT. As much as I like getting recognition from my boss, I hope to someday hear this from the ultimate Boss, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Mathew 25:21 ~ NLT.

“Dear Lord and Heavenly Father, help us to realize that no matter what job we have, no matter where we work, that we are working for You. Help us to honor You by the work we do. Give us opportunities to serve and love others through our work. It’s in Jesus name I pray, Amen.”