Has anyone noticed?

It feels good when others compliment us. Simple words like, “What a nice family you have.” or “Thank you for helping out during Game Time.” go such a long way in making us feel good. They also give us some indication of where our gifts are. For example, if we consistently teach a class and get no positive feedback whatsoever concerning our performance, maybe there is some indication that we should be pursuing another ministry. I say maybe because positive comments (and commentators) can be so fickle at times. It is important that we share the positive impact people have had on us as they serve and minister to us. Our comments may even be part of the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives to determine their giftedness.

On the other hand, what if the comments do not come our way? What if the people that we desire to say something to us never respond to our offerings of service? Once we have determined what our giftedness is, these lack of comments should not deter us. As long as we have put every ounce of effort we can muster into a service opportunity these lack of comments are just the fickle nature of the human condition. It is not an indictment on us, it is not an indictment on our efforts (although it can be if we are sleep-walking through a ministry), it is a bit more subtle than that. It is just a reflection on some people and the hang-ups they may have, or their preoccupations, or, in extreme cases, their vanity, idols, and lusts.

I need to remind myself often that I am in front of an audience of One. Once my giftedness has been determined I need to make sure that I perform for Him. Nothing should keep me from these acts of service. More importantly, my heart should be in the right place when He smiles. He’ll send the ones to seek us out, to call us on the phone, to put their arms around our shoulders and give us that “’Atta boy.” Or He won’t.