He walked into work and people were crying—not a good sign. The warehouse manger, not his boss, called him into his office and read him a form letter announcing that he would be let go. “Dan, your job has been eliminated.” Dan put his hand on the manager’s hand and said, “Dave, don’t make this any harder on yourself than you need to. You’re my friend.” Dave started crying. “Somebody’s going to have to escort you out of the building.”
Thirty-one years, the prime years of his life, Dan faithfully served Wickes, a furniture company. His spotless record, written commendations and superb service to thousands of customers in the end mattered to the corporate headquarters as much as a crumpled, empty soda can. His boss didn’t even have the guts to break the news to him, nor did Wickes offer him any prior notice that his job would end. No plaque or ceremony was given to honor his loyal, faithful service. No retirement benefits would ease the sting of his release. The only thing waiting for him was a taxicab to take him home. To a corporation fixated on making money, he had become a financial liability. It isn’t surprising that a company so callous and ungrateful is losing money.
Meditation
Romans 1:21-22—For though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools. (Holman CSB)
Ingratitude is the symptom of a corrupted heart. Businesses that treat their employees shabbily do so because they worship the dollar and workers are merely a means to an end. The irony is that those companies that take care of their employees and show gratitude gain far more loyal and hardworking people than does any company fixated on profit. Studies show that employees will leave a higher paying job with thankless supervisors to take a lower paying job where they are appreciated. It makes sense doesn’t it! We all want to be valued. It hurts when we are spit out like some piece of gristle.
People who ignore God have already muted their praise button. If they cannot show gratitude to the Father Who sent them a Savior, is it surprising that they will not see the hard work you have done? Thanksgiving represents one day a year when we give gratitude to God for all He has done for us. Thanksliving should be our habit. The Apostle Paul wrote the Thessalonians, “Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 The.5:18). We live thankfully knowing in the end we will be rewarded by the Lord Who records our deeds and promises “My reward is with Me to repay each person according to what he has done” (Revelation 22:12). Something to think about . . . in reveration!
Inspiration
If you are going to live for the service of your fellow-men, you will certainly be pierced through with many sorrows, for you will meet with more base ingratitude from your fellow-men than you would from a dog.—Oswald Chambers in Biblical Psychology
