Thank You
September 26, 1999
Dear Friends:
No one likes to feel unappreciated. So, in the spirit of appreciation, let me thank you for all of the things that you do that go unnoticed and unappreciated. Thank you for: the kind words, remembering us on special occasions, taking care of that elderly brother or sister, fixing food for the pot lucks, taking extra time with the young people, serving on the board, opening meeting, your cheerfulness, your sense of humor, your insightful comments in class, opening your house to visitors, encouraging me, etc..
Many times these things that we do go unnoticed by all except our heavenly Father. This is fitting as Jesus tells us concerning alms (and implied to all other good deeds), “let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.” (Matt. 6:3,4)
There is a subtle difference between being unnoticed and unappreciated. On the one hand, you may recognize something is being done and not appreciate it. On the other hand, you may not be cognizant of something being done at all.
To illustrate, I was once told a story of an elderly brother who passed away. Soon after the brother died, people began to notice that the meeting hall was not as clean as it once was. Only then did they find out that each Saturday for years this brother had been coming in and cleaning the meeting. No appreciation was ever expressed because no one knew it was happening.
At other times, however, we realize what people are doing and for one reason or another fail to appreciate it. Let me ask you when was the last time you thanked your serving brethren for all of the meetings, issues, etc. that they must attend to on a regular basis? If you are like me, the answer is never. It is not always a pleasant job, yet we seldom acknowledge it with a word of thanks or encouragement to those who perform it.
All of this is true of the life and sacrifice of Jesus. There are people who are unaware of the atoning work of Christ. There are also people who are aware of it, but don’t appreciate what was accomplished. There are also people who both recognize what was done and are extremely grateful for what he did on our behalf.
Hopefully, we can see in the life and death of Christ an example of doing the will of God despite little appreciation. Jesus was not appreciated, but “despised of men.” Like Jesus, we should do the will of our Father in heaven out of love, duty and gratitude to Him and not for seeking praise of men. “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” (Luke 17:10)
On occasions, I will ask brethren what they would say if they had the chance to speak at the judgment seat of Christ. The answers are many and varied. While pondering this question myself, I decided long ago what my comments would be if I had such an opportunity to speak. My words to Jesus would simply be – “thank you.”
Have a great week!
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