Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. NIV
Sometimes ago, I received some awards. I looked at the criteria set for the decision made and I discovered that they judged based on what they could see. It is human to applaud people based on visible performance. I looked through the scriptures especially Acts of apostles, I didn't see anyone who was given an award in church based on performance. Everyone worked for the Lord because of love and they knew that God is the rewarder of those that diligently seek him. In fact, they were ready to die if it means dying. A man like Paul was not looking forward to Peter's commendation but his eternal reward that was kept in heaven which the righteous judge will give to him, 2 Tim4:8. God is a righteous judge.
Let me ask you, are you labouring for award or reward? What men would give to you as recognition for a job well done is an award. It could be a wooden plaque or something the eyes can see but prone to perishing. Kingdom labour is something that should be done without thinking of who will say, 'thank you'. I know it hurts when you're so busy for the Lord without being recognized. I know how it feels when those that should say, 'well done' are your fiercest critics but If I may ask, 'are you working for them or for the one that has called you'? The moment you switch your focus away from the one that called you, you'll find yourself labouring to be awarded by mere men. Loyalty would be to men and not to God.
I am not condemning award but God's reward is better. He would give it only to those that diligently seek Him. In my opinion, silent labours that no one knows about attract rewards. There are many we have awarded but without reward in heaven. Some are masters in eye-service. They know how to impress to be seen by Pastors or their leaders. The Pastor maybe saying, 'bro Joe deserve an award because of what we can see him doing in the church but God maybe saying 'bro Stephen deserves a great eternal reward for what he is doing that the church cannot see'. When we get to heaven, earthly accolades like: 'he is the Pastor of the fastest growing church or he Pastors the church with the biggest cathedral' would cease. In heaven, God's reward would humble many and we shall be surprised at how those we don't know or those we thought were doing nothing would be rewarded.
Father, I receive the grace to work with my whole heart whether I'm seen or not,In Jesus name. Amen