Have you ever been overlooked?
How did it make you feel? How did you react?
What can you do as a Titus 2 woman, to be sure you don’t overlook the important things (or people) in your life?
I am pretty sure that all of us have been overlooked sometime in our life. As a child, the memory that comes to mind is when we were lined up in gym class and the team captain had to pick his players for his side. How many of you were picked last?
Being overlooked … many times leaves us feeling unworthy, unloved and unappreciated!
You might say, ok Laurie … that’s kids stuff. And stuff like that happens in child play! But how would you react to be overlooked as an adult?
It happens all of the time.
-
You were overlooked for that promotion at work.
-
You were overlooked when the invitations to the “party of the year” were sent out.
-
You were overlooked at the annual Sunday School “Teacher Appreciation” banquet.
Most of us would probably feel hurt or let down if we were not recognized for our accomplishments. We work hard, and it feels good to receive the honor that we feel is due to us. What happens many times, when we are not recognized, is we take offense with someone or a group of people. This is dangerous ground.
“Don’t let an offense build a relational fence.”
Several years ago, a former Pastor of my church held a banquet in honor of all of the church volunteers. At one point in the reception, the names of the volunteers were called out and they were asked to stand. A friend of mine, who diligently serves in many ministries, was mistakenly left off of the list. Her name was not called and she did not stand. I could tell that she didn’t really know how to react and so when the banquet was over, she tried to slip out very quickly and quietly. Before she got to the door, a mother of one the girls that she had in her Sunday School class stopped her. This mother wanted my friend to know how much she appreciated her ministry to her daughter, that her daughter had learned so much from my friend, and she was like a mentor to this young lady.
Immediately my friend had forgotten all about the oversight that had just happened a few moments ago and she remembered exactly why she does what she does.
“Love forgets mistakes.” -PROVERBS 17:9
Are you looking for someone for approval and recognition? Maybe you need to take an inventory of the reasons that you do the things that you do. Sure we all like to hear a “good job” once in awhile, but it should not be the catalyst of why you labor for the Lord.
Serve God with a pure heart, with the right motive and will all of the passion and gusto that you can. If you are never honored for your good deeds here on earth, don’t fret, for your great reward is coming and one day you will hear the greatest words of all…”Well done, My good and faithful servant.”
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.”
Nobody likes to be overlooked, so I encourage you as a Titus 2 woman to be alert and looking for ways that you can encourage another believer. When you see someone who is frustrated or overlooked, like my friend, go alongside of them and let them know how much you appreciate them. The Apostle Paul tells us to not become weary of doing good … if you have been overlooked my friend, do not become weary or give up … God has not forgotten you and He is keeping a record that one day will be opened up and your crown will be delivered!
Please join us here AT THE WELL today and link
your thoughts on this topic today in mr. linky below.
We are having some problems with Mr. Linky today. If you don’t see it, please leave a link to your At the Well post in a comment below! Sorry for the inconveniences this creates.
Awesome teaching and one that needed to be said…
I shared a post too and am embarrassed to admit a time I felt left out and sobbed like a baby. Sigh.
Great post Laurie.
Love,
Beth
Very powerful post, Laurie! Being overlooked is something so many women experience and do, even without realizing it. What an excellent call to be alert and look for ways to encourage!
Beautiful post and encouragement today. My post is up also.