Would You Still Do It If No One Noticed?

Doing the right thing is easier when someone notices. But what about when no one does?

In this episode of FaithFuel, Bob Shaw looks at what it means to stay faithful in the unseen moments. Looking at Colossians 3:23–24 and Galatians 6:9, this devotional focuses on who you’re really doing things for—and how to keep going even when there’s no recognition.

If you’ve ever felt overlooked or unappreciated, this episode will help you stay encouraged and grounded.

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Transcript

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Would you still do the right thing if nobody ever noticed? I'm Bob Shaw, and this is Faith Fuel. It's easier to do the right thing when someone's watching, when there's recognition, appreciation, or even just accountability. It feels like it counts. But what about when no one sees? Colossians 3 verses 23 and 24 says, Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for people. Easy to read, not always easy to live out. We used to do a segment on my radio show called Random Acts of Kindness, where listeners would call in and share things they'd seen. What stood out was this. People almost never talked about themselves. They shared what others had done. And that's how it should be. Doing the right thing isn't about being seen. It's about doing it because it's right. And a lot of that happens in places nobody else sees. It's the things you do at home when no one's around. The way you handle your attitude when nobody's there to call it out. The choice to do something the right way when it would be easier not to, and no one would ever know the difference. It's choosing not to say something you shouldn't. It's doing the extra thing that doesn't get noticed. It's being honest when it would be easy to cut a corner. Nobody sees it, nobody knows. But God does, and that's why it counts. And there's another side to this. Sometimes you don't want anybody to know. And other times, yeah, it'd be nice if someone noticed. And that's not a bad thing. Everybody needs a pat on the back from time to time. You do the right thing, you put in the effort, and nobody says anything. That happens a lot, especially at work. You show up, you do what you're supposed to do, maybe go the extra mile, and it goes completely unnoticed. And after a while, that can get frustrating. But here's the question if it never came, would you be okay with that? That's not easy to answer, because part of you wants to say, yeah, I'd be fine with it. But another part of you is thinking, it'd be nice to hear something once in a while. So it comes down to this who are you doing it for? Because if it's for people, you're always going to be looking for some kind of response. But if it's for the Lord, that changes things. Am I okay with the fact that God sees it, even if nobody else does? Galatians 6 verse 9 says not to grow weary in doing good, because at the proper time, you will reap a harvest if you don't give up. That doesn't always mean recognition here and now. A lot of the time, it just means staying consistent, doing the right thing, even when nobody sees it, and trusting that God does. Lord, help us stay faithful even when no one notices. When it feels like our effort is overlooked, remind us that you see it. Help us keep doing what's right, not for recognition, but because we're doing it for you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Keep doing what's right. Even when it goes unnoticed, it's not wasted. If Faith Fuel is helping you, make it part of your routine and stay connected. I'm Bob Shaw. Peace and joy.