What ever gave us the idea that serving God would lead to a life filled with “perks?” The Cambridge Dictionary defines “perks” as: “an advantage or something extra that you given because of your job.” To be honest, we often expect “perks” in whatever the ministry God calls us. I'm not talking about only material “perks”...I'm talking about acclaim, respect, being successful in the eyes of people. It's a problem when we minister for these kinds of “perks.” Realistically, here's what we can expect if we're faithful to God's calling:
“4 ministers of God, in much perseverance,...8 by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; 9 as unknown and yet well-known, as dying and yet behold, we live; as punished and yet not put to death, 10 as sorrowful but always rejoicing, as poor but making many rich, as having nothing and yet possessing all things.” (2 Corinthians 2:4-10)
Who would line up for a job that included those “perks?” The Apostle Paul did and at the end of his life he said these parting words:
“...all who are in Asia turned away from me...Demas has deserted me...at my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me...But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me... 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4).

Most of us would rather not “do our duty in obscurity,” but that's precisely what God is looking for...that is, He is looking for saints who are not looking for “perks” in this life. But there are genuine “perks” that will be awarded to those who faithfully...in obscurity...without fanfare...carry out the ministries God has set them to. Paul was looking forward to those “perks” when he reminded us: “8 In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8)

My prayer for me and you this day is this...Lord, we experience times when we feel little reward for the work we put in for Your kingdom. We sometimes feel like no one knows or cares. During those times, remind us by Your Spirit we are not working for temporal “perks,” but rather, we are being faithful to Your calling and some day we will be recipients of heavenly, eternal “perks.” Amen.

Walk with the King today and be a blessing.