If my goal is recognition or appreciation from the world, I will be sorely disappointed. But I work for Jesus. He sees what no one else does. For those of us in Christ, may we never forget this. May we not allow ourselves to be pushed out in frustration, but remember that we can and do make a difference one person at a time, as we plant our seeds for God.

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 10:12, "For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." Paul was employed by God. He was not getting into a war with those who puff themselves up. He was commissioned by God and he was faithfully acting on that commission, whether the world recognized his efforts or not. Paul was a vessel. Paul went on in 10:16-18, "to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not boast in another man's sphere of accomplishment. But "he who glories, let him glory in the Lord." For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends." It is very frustrating or boastful when we compare ourselves according to individuals or standards of the world. It is very freeing when we don't try to be something that God never designed us to be. God knows fully what His intentions are for us, and we will find peace when we align our wills with His perfect will.

What are we sowing? Are we sowing according to the world's standards or sowing seeds for His kingdom. We are told in 2 Corinthians 9:10, "Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,". Our seed is not of this world and will often not be seen by those in the world nor respected by those in the world. The sooner we come to grips with this the easier and more peaceful our lives will be. Jesus talks of leaving the 99 to go after the one in the Parable of the Lost Sheep in Luke 15:4-7. But leaving the 99 to go after the 1 will not be honored or recognized by the world. When those of us in Christ hear of another who reaches an individual for Christ, we are encouraged. We are family. More importantly than our being encouraged, though the world will not recognize, the only words we really want to hear come from our Lord, in Matthew 25:21, "His Lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’”