by Robert Tamasy
People go to work for many different reasons. One primary reason is to earn a livelihood – putting food on the table, a roof over their heads, paying bills, and achieving their desired lifestyle. Without question, work gives us something to do – a way to utilize and invest our time on a regular basis.
Work also can give us a sense of self-worth, the satisfaction of being able to achieve something worthwhile – especially if it involves tasks you are uniquely or specially equipped to perform. If you have work that you enjoy, you are among the fortunate minority of workers – a very happy group. But have you ever gone to work yearning for recognition, even hoping to earn honors or awards that would signify that you were the best – or one of the best – in your company, or even your profession.
When I editing a magazine, I would attend an annual publisher’s conference. One evening each year included an awards contest where periodicals, writers and editors were judged and honored in various categories. Occasionally our magazine received an honor, and that was gratifying. But have you ever thought about how fleeting such recognition is – even in the most prestigious competitions?
For instance: Can you name the players chosen Most Valuable Player in the last five Super Bowls? Or the teams that won the last five World Cup championships? Can you name the women selected to represent your nation in the last five Miss Universe pageants? How about the last five Nobel Prize winners in economics, science, or some other field of endeavor? What were the names of the last five films to receive the Academy Award for motion picture of the year?
We could think of other examples. We like recognition. It affirms us, making us feel valued and significant. But awards and recognition are fleeting, soon forgotten. The applause fades, the good feelings disappear, and everyone searches for the newest “star.” As King Solomon, the writer of the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, declared, “for all is vanity and a striving after wind” (Ecclesiastes 2:17).
Does that mean the pursuit of excellence and personal fulfillment is futile, a waste of time and effort? The Bible tells us striving to do our best is important, but our motivations matter most:
Performing for an audience of one. People – even our employers and coworkers – are fickle. We cannot please them all the time. So we need to need to make sure we are working for the approval of the right person. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24).
Receiving God’s commendation. In the real world, sometimes our best work is overlooked or ignored. But the Bible assures us God notices all we do for Him and is eager to reward us for devoted service. “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things…” (Matthew 25:21,23).
Gaining recognition that endures. The problem with many awards and honors is they lose value and luster over time. God’s recognition, however, never fades or loses worth. “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” (1 Peter 5:4).
Robert J. Tamasy is vice president of communications for Leaders Legacy, Inc., a non-profit corporation based in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. A veteran journalist for 40 years, he is the author of Tufting Legacies (iUniverse); Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace (River City Press); and has coauthored with David A. Stoddard, The Heart of Mentoring (NavPress). For more information, see www.leaderslegacy.com or his blogs, www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com and www.bobtamasy.wordpress.com.