The Struggle for Worth: Two Things to Remember When it Comes to the Value of Your Work.

We all want to see the value in what we do, especially in the important things like our calling or when chasing a lifelong dream. But what about when we can’t see it? Does our ministry really have value? Are we good enough to make this dream come true? The thing about value is, it can be hard to spot. 

I realized this recently. When I look at the first book I published I can see places where it could use improvement. I’ve learned more about crafting and polishing stories since I wrote that book, and the issues pop out at me now. I’ve considered putting it through another round of rewrites and editing, and re-releasing a second edition. But then I considered what my readers say. Everyone who has read the book says they like it. They say the plot is good and they can’t wait for the next book. With one exception, it has all five star reviews. Apparently, those little issues I’ve spotted don’t bother my readers. I’ve decided not to redo the book. 

The thing is, I didn’t readily see the value in my work. I thought it was bad and needed more polishing. But my readers said otherwise. That’s the way it is sometimes; we don’t see the value in our work, but others do. 

I think we are often too close to our work. I’ve done little outside of writing, art, and music, so I don’t know how much of this will apply to other fields. But sometimes we are so close to our work or hobby that we can’t see past the mistakes. It’s like the old phrase, “You can’t see the forest for the trees.” We can’t see the value for the problems. Yet someone else may look at our work and think it’s great. They don’t see all the flaws and slip-ups; they just see the completed work as something worthwhile. 

Honestly, we can nitpick our work to death. We can analyze and agonize until what we once loved becomes a torturous task. Even a ministry can become a burden if we have the wrong mindset. 

So how do we break free? What can we do when we don’t see the value in our work? 

Listen to Others

One thing we can do is step back. Ask someone other than yourself what they think about your work. Look at reviews. Are they positive? Look at your customers or the people you minister to. Are they happy? Are they taken care of? If the ones you’re working for are content with your work, then it must be hitting the right marks whether you think so or not. You may just be too critical with yourself. And remember, a bad review or comment doesn’t necessarily mean your work is poor. You and your work, whatever it may be, won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. 

Another thing to remember is: People often won’t tell you they like what you do or make. Yeah, it’s weird. It stinks. But it’s true. It can be difficult to get reviews. Even when people like something, they often don’t review it or publicly respond to it in any way. I think about my newsletter while I write this. I have wondered if I’m reaching anyone. A few weeks ago, that question was answered. As I often do, I wrote a short inspirational piece at the beginning of the email, this one encouraging rest. My friend responded to the newsletter saying it was a needed reminder. Well, her response was a reminder I needed. My words are reaching people. 

When I think about it, there have been a few people commenting on my Instagram posts. Some people have read a blog post or two. They are little reminders that my words are doing good and reaching people. They do have value. The thing is, most people just won’t tell you that. Be honest, do you always tell an author, artist, or anyone else that you enjoy their work? How often do you reply to newsletters, telling the sender they made some good points? I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t. That’s the way people are. We don’t often tell people how much we value their work. So don’t be discouraged if only one or two people are responding to you directly. That number will likely grow as your career does, but it takes time. And just because someone doesn’t tell you they like or need what you’re doing, doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate your work. 

Listen to God

All that being said, there is a more important step to breaking free of the struggle for value. Reviews and feedback are good. Encouraging comments are welcome. But they are not enough in themselves, and, if we aren’t careful, we can fall into the trap of always chasing good reviews and compliments. I encourage listening to feedback because it can put things in perspective, but others’ opinions are not where value lies. There is something of far greater importance when it comes to the value of our work: God.  

The best way to break free of the question of, “Does my work have value?” is to look to the one who made us able to, and maybe even called us to, do the work in the first place. The Lord gives each of us gifts and talents and a way to use them. What I’m about to say may seem simple, but it can be difficult to live out in day-to-day life. So long as we are walking in God’s will for our lives and work, nothing else matters. 

Nothing. As long as we are doing the work God has given us to do and he is pleased with us, then our work has value. Are you working in the ministry God called you to? Are you giving it your best? Then your work has value because you’re obeying God. Does your work encourage you or others? Does it spread God’s truth and honor him? Then it has value. This can apply to “normal” work too, like a nine-to-five job. Is your work honest and clean? Do you do your best and provide for your family? Then your work has value. 

Paul’s instructions to slaves in Colossians chapter 3 can be applied even to modern day work: 

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism. (Colossians 3:22-25, NIV)

So long as we are doing the work God wants us to, and “work at it with all your heart,” our work has value. God is the one who decides what true value is. He sees what our work is doing in us and for others, even when we can’t. We may never know the extent to which our work affects ourselves and others, but God does. And that’s what is truly important. 

Man’s praise will fall silent. Recognition will fade. Awards will tarnish. But God’s “favor lasts a lifetime” (Psalm 30:5). That’s what ultimately matters, because everything here will one day be no more. But the believer has eternity with God. We don’t need to spend our time on earth chasing human approval, but seeking to honor and glorify God. If we do that, then what we do has value that no one can take away. 

So keep going. Get feedback and pay attention to what others are saying, but never forget that the real value of your work comes from serving God whatever you do. Even when you don’t know how, your work has value. One day, maybe not until you reach heaven’s shore, you will see it. For now, keep doing your work “with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” In him, it has true value.