What a Waste!

"So David's young men turned their way, and went again, and came and told him all those sayings. 

 And David said unto his men, Gird ye on every man his sword. And they girded on every man his sword; and David also girded on his sword: and there went up after David about four hundred men; and two hundred abode by the stuff."
1Samuel 25:12-13

David had tried to help Nabal's men, and all he got back was rude insults from Nabal. No thanks and no appreciation. Just rude comments. It made David so mad, he straightaway got his men together to go and get revenge on Nabal. This is what he said, “Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained unto him: and he hath requited me evil for good....” In another words “What I did for him was just a waste!”

I'm sure we can all understand David's feelings! Sometimes we make an effort to do something for someone, and they don't even notice or appreciate it. It makes us feel like “Why did I even bother? They don't care!” Then we either feel hurt or angry. We especially feel angry if that person we tried to do something for gives insulting or negative comments instead of thanks.

But why do we do these kind or thoughtful things?? Is it to get something back? Is it to get their appreciation? Their thanks? Or their respect?

Should we do what's right even if no one appreciates or notices?

Colossians 3:23 says “ And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

The next verse goes on to say “Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

The Bible teaches us to be kind and to serve others. But the motive behind it should be to please the LORD, not to get something back from others. We should do it 'to the Lord, and not unto men.' Then no matter whether we get anything nice back, it's not a waste even though it still may hurt. Because if we do it for the Lord, He will be pleased. And that's all that really matters!