Chuck Swindoll once pointed out that President Reagan had this saying on a plaque on his desk: “There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn’t mind who gets the credit.”

In contrast, envy limits itself to that for which we will get the glory. Think of all the times the apostles argued among themselves over one thing—which of them was the greatest? Jesus rebuked them for that and told them that the greatest among them was the servant of all.

If anybody just sits on their God-given gifts because they are concerned that maybe people will not praise them, they are sinning. We should use the talents and opportunities God has gifted us with on a regular basis. If you’re concerned about who gets the credit, then remember what we pray in the Lord’s Prayer, “…For Thine is…the glory.” What is the point of any of our accomplishments? The Psalmist tells us: “Not unto us, Oh Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory.” If we live free from the worry of who gets top billing, of who notices us, of how well we are doing by some worldly status criterion, we can do much more work for the Lord.

So whatever task you find at hand, do it with all your might. And do it for God’s glory and others’ good. God knows what you do, and He will repay you.

Father God, give us strength for today to serve You diligently, even if we aren’t always recognized for it here on earth. Thank You, Lord, You who sees all, for being a just God. Let everything we do be truly for Your glory…