Yesterday, we celebrated Labor Day here in the United States. Without dwelling on the origins of the holiday or the meaning behind it, let us simply say that for many people, it was a day to relax and not labor. In any organization, but specifically in churches, there are both visible and invisible jobs to be done. However, do not assume that just because a job does not have visibility, it is not important. Therefore it is incumbent upon leaders to recognize and honor those who serve in jobs that are not in the spotlight. Paul left us this example: *Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you’re in our prayers as we call to mind your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope in following our Master, Jesus Christ, before God our Father.* 1 Thessalonians 1:2–3 (MESSAGE) It is not possible to overstate the value of encouragement. The Apostle Paul understood this principle very well and as you read his letters you will notice that even when the main purpose of his letter was to correct an error or problem in the church, he would begin by offering encouragement and support. He would let them know that he was praying for them and that they were in his heart. Certainly almost everyone appreciates encouragement, but the apostle Paul offered encouragement with the purpose of stirring his listeners and readers on to greater devotion and love for Jesus Christ. And Paul's encouragement was not some dispassionate, formal obligatory salutation or greeting, but rather it expressed the deep love and devotion that he had in his heart for them. While we see the value, as leaders, of encouraging others it is also important to examine ourselves and our motivation for serving. If we only serve for the recognition or the praise, what do we do when our efforts are not recognized? We need to understand what motivates ourselves and others to labor for the cause of the gospel. I do not understand much about acting, but when actors are having a difficult time understanding the character they are playing, they may ask the director or the writer to give them a little background information, so that they can understand what the motivation of their character is supposed to be. What motivates us to labor for the Lord? The beginning and the end of our motivation should be Christ and what he did for us. *For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.* 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NIV) Jesus said, *"The one who has been forgiven much, loves much*." When we realize how much we are loved and understand what a great price was paid so that our sins would be forgiven, we should need no additional motivation. In the old hymn, it says, *"I need no other argument, I need no other plea. It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me."* Finally, whether we receive the praise of man or our efforts go unrecognized until we hear the Lord say, *“Well done, good and faithful servant”* we must continue on, following the admonition **“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Colossians 3:23 (NLT)** In summary, we who are in positions of leadership must be diligent in our recognition and encouragement of others while at the same time being careful that we are not solely motivated by the praise of others.