Biblical recognition of accomplishments?

Paul gives us some good examples of praising fellow servants of the Lord in his letters. Notice how he acknowledges their hard work, generosity and care for the church!

Rom. 16:12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord. 

1 Cor. 16:17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied.18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.

Phil. 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. 20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. 

Here is a good question - Did any of these believers reach a state worthy of praise by seeking praise? Did they do their good deeds for the sake of earthly recognition? Was there a plaque or prize for giving the most or excelling at other spiritual disciplines?  

If they did it for any of these earthly reasons, it would not be cause for praise, but correction.  

Matt. 6:1 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven." 

Matt. 6:19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

So, should we use earthly rewards or recognition as a motivation for our service to the Lord? The answer is a loud and clear - NO! 

Should we recognize and thank those who serve the Lord and his people faithfully as we have the opportunity? Sure, but lets be sure we keep teaching people to do things for the Lord's sake alone or we may find they are really seeking to please us and not God!  

Gal. 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."