KNOW WHO YOU SERVE

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23, 24 NKJV)

Day in and day out many of us face the challenges of serving others in various capacities we fulfill. Whether it be in a relationship, a job or even in ministry, we often struggle with the capacity and attitude we serve others with; especially when their attitude towards us is poor. The truth of the matter is that no matter where, how or who we serve we have the potential of facing someone with a cantankerous attitude or demeanor; despite our best effort of serving them in a loving manner.
So what do you do when you are giving your all, giving your best, serving in love and excellence; but are smacked with an uncaring, disparaging & unkind attitude? You simply keep giving your all, your best, and serve in love & excellence!! Why you ask? Because you are not serving them in reality you are serving God, and they happen to just be the benefactor of your service to God. They are receiving the blessing of your service to God but they are not the object of your service.
Too often we look to each other for accolades, approval, acceptance or reward but the truth is no one can ever pay you for the service you render to God but God! Now this doesn't mean that when someone serves us that we shouldn't be kind and honor them for what they've done, but what it does mean is that their response to our serving is Not driving us. Further Philippians 2:14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, (NKJV)
You see your actions or service isn't predicated upon how they respond to you,but how you pre-determine to serve. You must realize that when you accepted the various roles that God has assigned in your life, you automatically accept the responsibility of now being a good & faithful steward over those things. So the next time your boss acts out of character, your children run buck-wild or if your spouse pushes your buttons; don't be moved by them but remember that God is desiring & expecting you to serve them, knowing your really serving Him through them.