It has been quite the transition over the past few months as I moved between two different ministries.  Its in moments of uncertainty, doubt and discouragement God’s voice and hand becomes so personal.  

There are some things you can learn through pastors, books and sermons but there are certain things we can only learn from the Shepherd Himself.  

The main theme and word that has been pressed upon my heart in this time is faithfulness.  Here are some reflections and things God has been teaching me in this period of my life.

FAITHFULNESS OVER GREATNESS

We are living in a culture where everyone wants to go higher but nobody wants to go deeper. How high we go is merely our reputation but our depth with God is who we really are. I have seen many people who aspire to be someone great but neglect the call to be faithful. 

As Christians we are not called to greatness we are called to faithfulness. 

As I was reading the Scriptures I was reminded that God will never see what we do but will always see why we do what we do (1 Sam 16:7, Rev 2:1-5). This is why in seasons where we feel like we are walking in barren land it is so essential that we live by faith and not by sight. 

God leads us through valleys not to break us but to purify us. To purify the motive of our hearts so that our hearts will long for nothing more than the will of God.

FAITHFULNESS OVER FRUITFULNESS

I am all for fruit.  In fact as believers we are called to be fruitful and to multiply but fruitfulness should always be a result of faithfulness. If and when there is fruit apart from being faithful it will not last through the storms of life.

Joseph’s life was defined by this principal. He was faithful to God in every circumstance because for him, success in life was dependent on pleasing God. In slavery he remained faithful, in prison he remained faithful and in Pharaoh’s palace he remained faithful.

For Joseph he wasn’t faithful with what he wanted but he was faithful with what he had. So many people cannot hear what God has for them in their present season because they are so wrapped up in what they desire for the future and not with what God is doing presently in their lives.

FAITHFULNESS OVER GIFTEDNESS

Ideally, we want the man who is faithful to also be gifted, but too many people exalt giftedness over faithfulness. Someone once told me if your passion doesn’t meet your gift, find a different passion. Insightful, but I also believe if your giftedness exceeds your faithfulness leave your position immediately.

The Bible and history is full of gifted people who ended miserably because their character and devotion to the Lord was unhealthy.

Take for example people like King Saul, King Solomon and Samson.  All these men were great leaders who were incredibly gifted.  However, their gift took them further than their character could sustain them.

Whenever someone values gifts and talents above faithfulness and character, it is a disaster waiting to unfold.  

CHRIST OUR EXAMPLE

The greatest leader is always a greater follower. Jesus’ entire life was marked by faithfulness. He did not do anything He did not see His Father doing (Lk 22:42, Jn 4:34). The words “not my will, but Your will be done,” should define every Christian’s life. I am reminded daily that Jesus is not only our Savior but our example. 

So many look at Jesus’ life as something only to be admired but forget His life is also to be imitated. The Cross is not only a place where God proved His love to man but also where a Man proved His love to God. Jesus’ life was marked by glorifying His dad. Ever step, every word, every decision was to please God.

May we remember at the end of the day we are held accountable to One person. Christ Jesus alone.

“…Well done, good and faithful servant…” -Matthew 25:21

“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.” -1 Corinthians 4:1-4