Preachers quit preaching because “they’ve had enough.” Elders resign because of church problems. Deacons stop serving because of criticism. Bible class teachers give up their classes because they are taken for granted and not shown due appreciation. Christians refuse to get involved in good programs because their feelings have been hurt at some time or another...

    The above scenarios occur frequently. I understand the frustration of trying to serve God while being disrespected by your peers — even those claiming to be your brother and sister in Christ! I certainly don’t mean to minimize the hurt one can feel — the hurt is real and quite often very unfair.

    Very likely, someone reading this is going through their own struggle and is presently contemplating “dropping out” of some service to God because of the way they’ve been treated. Before you take that step, let me remind you of a question that Satan asked God long ago in the days of Job. And if I may paraphrase, his question was, “Will a man serve God for nothing?” (Job 1:6-11) In response to the Devil’s question, God’s confidence was that he would serve him even if all the external reasons to do so were taken away. In the case of Job, he was right.

What about you?

    But now let’s make this a lot more personal. What about you? Will you serve God for nothing? Will you serve him when you don’t get patted on the back? Will you serve him when you are opposed, have people speak evil of you, and are disrespected? Will you serve God when you’re hurt by harsh words and actions that are not Christlike? Will you serve God when people, even your own brethren, sin against you? Will you serve God for nothing?

    Friends, our service to God shouldn’t be contingent on anything that anyone could say or do to us. Think how shallow it sounds when we say by our actions that we’ll serve God, but only when we’re treated with proper respect and appreciation. If you have the ability and opportunity to serve God, then serve him with all your might, regardless. Serve him for nothing. And if you do, God will surely be as pleased with you as he was his servant Job.

For God is not unfair. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other Christians, as you still do. ( Hebrews 6:10)