If you have a tendency to remind people of all the good things you do and the sacrifices you make, read what Jesus said: ‘When you have done all those things which you are commanded, say…“We have done what was our duty to do.”’ We all deserve recognition for the good we do, and we thrive on appreciation. But lots of times we don’t get it, so we’re left with three choices:

(1) We can succumb to self-pity and go around complaining about how the world doesn’t treat us right or give us a fair deal.

(2) We can give way to resentment, walk around with a chip on our shoulder, and end up wondering why people don’t want to be around us.

(3) We can adopt the attitude Jesus taught and say, ‘I’m only doing what God expects of me. And knowing He is pleased with me is reward enough.’ If you try to run on the fuel of other people’s encouragement and praise, when it doesn’t come you’ll have no joy. And that’s bad because ‘the joy of the Lord [the joy that comes from knowing you walk under the smile of His approval] is your strength.’ (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV)

Living this way will make you a self-starter and a successful finisher. And when that happens, you’ll find favour at home and on the job, and end up with more friends than you know what to do with. Plus your real reward, the one that matters most, is guaranteed when you stand before the Master one day and hear the words: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ (Matthew 25:23 KJV)