For the highly driven, and I believe the apostle Paul was in this category - probably the reason that God chose Him to build the early church, holding back isn't something that they are aiming for and usually not something that stirs their gratitude.
In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, self-actualization is at the top. Reaching one's fullest potential is what this desire is about. Doing the best you can with your life. Some measure this by the credit they receive from others, some just by knowing they are doing all they can with what they are given. Our Heavenly Father prefers the later led by a desire to follow Him.
In our verse of thanks for today, Paul is exclaiming his gratitude for holding back.
"I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized into my name." 1 Corinthians 1:14 (with v. 15 to complete the thought)
Paul's gratitude for not baptizing more comes out of a reverence for His Lord. The Corinthian people were in a state of disunity in their church and were in danger of dividing over which preacher they were following. Paul makes this point of gratitude because he doesn't want anyone to follow him, but Christ. The message of salvation through Christ's work on the cross is more important than who is delivering the message.
We, too, must be on our guard not to seek credit for ourselves for doing the Lord's work, but to see that the glory is always given to God. Don't hold back in doing God's work, unless you're in danger of wanting the credit for yourself. Then, by all means, hold back and wait on the Lord to adjust your heart.
"And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right." 2 Thessalonians 2:16
"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b
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