We often look at the world around us and wonder if our daily labor truly matters. When you pour your heart into your career, your family or your community, it is easy to feel unappreciated. However, spiritual law and human achievement both agree on a single, powerful truth: You must give the best of your service, no matter who is watching.
This timeless principle is beautifully captured in the classic hymn written by the legendary Lucie Eddie Campbell. This song was composed in 1933 for the annual gathering of the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc., and quickly became one of the all-time Convention favorites.
Her songs became gospel standards, sung by all races and creeds. Campbell had the distinction of having composed the second-most popular song in all of Black Christendom after Thomas A. Dorsey’s “Precious Lord” — which is, of course, “He’ll Understand and Say Well Done.” It begins with:
“If when you give the best of your service, telling the world that the Savior is come; be not dismayed when they do not believe you; He understands, He’ll say, ‘Well done.'”
This song reminds us that our ultimate accountability is not to public applause, but to God. When we reach the end of our journey, weary from the battles of life, the ultimate reward is hearing the Creator say, “Well done.”
The master key is this: “We must always give more than we are paid for.”
To understand how to give this level of service in our daily lives, we can look to Napoleon Hill, the pioneer of personal success philosophy who wrote “Think and Grow Rich.” One of Hill’s foundational steps to success is the habit of “going the extra mile.” Hill discovered that the most successful people intentionally render more service, and better quality service, than they are ever paid to do.
When you make it a habit to give your absolute best, you set a mental and spiritual law into motion. Hill noted that this habit develops an unstoppable initiative, builds a powerful reputation and ultimately makes you indispensable. You do not wait for a raise or recognition to work hard; you work hard first, and the rewards naturally follow.
God has given us the divine promise that once we have done our part, just watch what God does with your work. While Napoleon Hill explained the psychological and practical rewards of excellent service, Holy Scripture reveals the divine promises attached to our labor. God does not leave our hard work unrewarded. When you do the work assigned to your hand with excellence, Scripture shows exactly what God will do for you:
God multiplies your effort. When you give your best, God increases your capacity and your territory.
Scripture: “Do you see a man excel in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men.” — Proverbs 22:29
God promises a financial and spiritual harvest. Your service is a seed. When you plant excellent seeds, God guarantees a bountiful return.
Scripture: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” — Galatians 6:9
God personally repays your labor. Even if an employer, clubs, sororities, a friend or a critic ignores your dedication, God keeps the books. Your ultimate paycheck comes from Heaven.
Scripture: “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.” — Colossians 3:23-24
Therefore, we must all carry our crosses with confidence. If you are feeling drained or discouraged today because your efforts seem unnoticed, take comfort in Lucie Eddie Campbell’s moving refrain:
“Oh, when I come to the end of my journey, weary of life and the battle is won, carrying the staff and the cross of redemption, He’ll understand and say, ‘Well done.'”
Human beings may misunderstand your motives. Critics may downplay your achievements. But God understands the weight of the cross you are carrying. Keep going the extra mile. Keep putting your highest signature of excellence on everything you touch. Do the work assigned to your hand with joy and integrity, knowing that your labor in the Lord is never in vain.
My testimony behind this message is that this column is not just a collection of inspiring words; it is a blueprint lived out by me, the author of this weekly column. Many of you know me as a voice of encouragement, but my faith was forged in the fires of tremendous struggle.
Years ago, my husband abandoned our family after 17 long years of marriage. Suddenly, I found myself facing the daunting task of survival with absolutely no child support. It was a terrifying season, but with the grace of God and the unwavering help of my family, I refused to give up.
Instead of succumbing to despair, I decided to give the absolute best of my service to the vision God placed in my heart. In my early 40s, a time when many believe it is too late to start over, I enrolled in college. Through sleepless nights and sheer determination, I earned not just one, but two college degrees. I didn’t stop there — I stepped out on faith and successfully started my own business.
My story is living proof that Napoleon Hill’s principles work, and more importantly, that God’s promises are true. When life strips everything away, what you have left is your work ethic, your faith and your choice to strive for excellence.
No matter what trial you are facing today, always remember to give the best of your service. Keep going the extra mile, keep studying and keep building. Your earthly critics do not have the final say. When you do the work assigned to your hand with all your heart, God will see your sacrifice, He will reward your labor, and at the end of your journey, He will surely look at you and say, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant!”
Lyndia Grant is a speaker/writer living in the D.C. area. Her radio show, “Think on These Things,” airs Fridays at 6 p.m. on 1340 AM (WYCB), a Radio One station. To reach Grant, go to her website, www.lyndiagrant.com, email lyndiagrantshowdc@gmail.com or call 240-602-6295. Follow her on X @LyndiaGrant and on Facebook.
