Do you feel the efforts you put forth each and every day on the job are going unnoticed?  Do you feel your employer had treated you unfairly?  Is nepotism occurring?  Do you feel like giving up?  If these words describe the sorts of feeling you currently have or have experienced in the past, you are not alone.  The fact is most of us at one time or another have experienced disappointment when it comes to our employment.  Preachers are certainly no different!

When discouragement impacts us our performance frequently is hindered.  The quantity of our output may plummet.  The quality of our work may decline.  The performance of our duties goes from zealous to “What is the least I can do and still maintain employment?

This ceasing of performance zeal usually only leads us into a downward spiral of more disappointment and discouragement.  When one reaches this state it will not be long before his work will be terminated by his current employer.

 How should we cope with the situation?

First, we should realize we are not slaves in this country.  We can quit and establish employment elsewhere if we choose.  We do not have to stay in an environment we do not like.

However, at times it may be in our best interest to remain where we are.  We may have a family to support and simply quitting would mean either taking a cut in salary, or going an extended time without employment.  It could be we have built up certain benefits, and perhaps retirement that would be relinquished if we simply quit.  Quitting may force us into a job of less security, or perhaps into a company that has a question mark beside its name when it comes to how long that company  will be in business.

Second, if we are going to stay where we are, we must learn to make the best of it.  How do we do this?  We must realize no matter how we are treated, and whether we are recognized or not by our employer, God recognizes what we are doing.  We work for Him and not for man.  Therefore, we should work with all our might.

 Note:

1.  Colossians 3:22-24, “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye service, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

2.  Ephesians 6:5-8, “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of heart, as unto Christ.”

3.  1 Peter 2:18-ff, “Servants be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle but also to the harsh…” (NKJV).

4.  Ecclesiastes 9:10, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.”

Conclusion

1.  We are to work hard, with all of our might as if we are working for the Lord.

2.  We must not simply give eye service, for God sees all.

3.  We must realize if our employer doesn’t notice, God does and He will reward us one day.

**These perhaps are things that will make an unpleasant work more bearable!