“And the award goes to….”

As we sit with anticipation waiting to hear the winner(s) of the Oscars or Grammys hoping the one WE think deserves the award wins, the announcer says the name of someone else and we moan in disappointment as we see our choice as well as the other nominees clap and paint on a smile since the camera is on them! The winner walks on stage and says their speech of thanksgiving, meanwhile, we are wondering how in the world did THEY get this award.. wondering if the other nominees are feeling discouraged, disappointed, etc.

Many of us felt this way at the 2017 Oscars when Denzel did not receive the award for “Best actor”, or when Jay Z despite his many nominations, did not receive ANY awards at this years’ Grammys despite his many nominations! But in the end… does it really matter? Does it REALLY matter if we are recognized for our accomplishments?

Many of you will say yes! And honestly, I can understand and raise my hand 🙋🏾‍♀️ because it is natural and understandable to want to get recognized and acknowledged for doing well! It’s a natural, human response! A response that if it’s not received, makes one feel insignificant, worthless, or unimportant! So again I ask, is it worth working aimlessly not knowing if you will or will not get a pat on the back? What if you do get recognized? It feels great right? Your confidence is high, you feel appreciated, and on top of the world… but then what? Do you work just so you can get the same acknowledgment?

Colossians 3:23-24 states, “Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve.”[AMP]

Ephesians 6:6b-8 also states, “…As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.” [NLT]

We should do whatever we do for God and to glorify him and not to humans who remember us and love us one day… and forget or hates us tomorrow! If you don’t believe me… ask Jesus!! One week they were cheering and welcoming him as the Messiah, and the next week were yelling, “Crucify him!” Now… this may be extreme, but the point I am making is that whatever we do, whether it’s in our careers, at home, with friends, or families, it should be done to glorify God! Only He can give us a reward that is everlasting!

I learned this recently while working! I got a promotion, and my motives and desires were aligned with God’s! I wanted to make a difference and glorify him! However, flesh (self) began to creep in and my motives changed. I wanted to be seen! I wanted to be known! I wanted to be recognized! I began working just to be acknowledged! The problem with this is that if you’re not careful you will begin making people the reason why you work as hard as you do! When you are not acknowledged you will feel bad and as if you are not worthy to do the job! This is what happened to me! My motives changed. I wanted to please people and wanted their acceptance!

God showed me that my heart and desires were in the wrong place! They should always be in Him and him alone! I had to refocus and remember who I was working for! God will give us a promotion that no man can give! He will give us rewards and accolades, prosperity, and open doors that NO Man can close! We just have to be reminded daily of the reason we do what we do! Is it for God or for people?

As you honor God in your daily walk, on your jobs, in your homes, wherever you go and in whatever capacity you are serving, know that all that you do should be done as unto the Lord! Do it for God! And if he doesn’t reward you when YOU want him to, keep doing it Knowing that he sees you and will reward you for ALL to see! This my dear friends and family is an award worth receiving!!

Love, Ashley Nicole