One of the greatest motivators in life is to be recognized. Most everyone I know loves to be lauded for doing a good job or for being an outstanding person. Yet society doesn’t say thank you enough. For me, I hate being praised publicly, I’m kind of shy in that department. But give me a little thank you card and an Olive Garden gift card, and I feel as if I’ve won the lottery.

Big businesses that want to recognize their employees tend to get it wrong. I am on the road a lot so I eat at a host of various restaurants. Each time I visit them I cringe at the multitude of ways companies try to honor hard work as long as they don’t have to part with any of their money.

As an employee, I could care less if my face isn’t plastered on a brick wall with a caption touting, “Employee of the Month.” All that does is make other employees hate me because I get a better parking space for thirty days.

The fancy titles given to make employees feel prized is laughable. If a person makes salads, they’re not a “Freshness Officer”. If a person makes cheese, they are not a “Shredded Cheese Authority.” And if I order a simple two-bit sandwich, I don’t want my server to be called a “Sandwich Artist.” You have got to be kidding me. Half the servers put more effort into blowing their nose than making my sandwich. But if the sandwich maker is truly an artist, I advocate they be given a little more Monet.

Even as a member of the clergy we can get caught up in titles: Bishop, Archbishop, Right Reverend, Elder, the list can go on and on. So since I am a member of a fraternity that includes thousands if not millions of “Men of the Cloth” what kind of recognition should I accept?

I did say earlier that I loathed employee of the month plaques, but what if God were to send me a stone tablet with the words “Employee of the Month” with His autograph? What would that be worth? Where could I possibly put it where it wouldn’t draw unwanted attention to me?

I think that’s the reason why His words of affirmation, “Well done good and faithful servant” is the ultimate recognition. Unlike the big conglomerates of the world, I have found when you work for God, titles mean nothing. However if you can spare a minute, I’d love to share with you His astounding benefits.