Faithfulness

God does not require us to do superhuman feats. All he requires is that we be faithful. Not faithful to a program or to a system, but faithful to God, to love, to truth. Such faithfulness may cause us to drop other loyalties at times, and it may lead to dramatic changes in our lifestyle... changes which may even lead others to think we are unstable in the things that matter to the system.

But faithfulness to God will also be tested through boring, routine, or humbling tasks. If we are not prepared to become nobodies, to be lost in the shadows for God's glory, then our true motives in all other exploits could be open to question.

If the over-riding goal is to bring people into a personal relationship with Christ, then we may also need to spend more time providing practical, loving care for those who respond to the message.

Babies (both literally and spiritually) need mothering, food, and a healthy environment. Washing nappies and sweeping floors do not capture the imagination of the media, but they are the kind of humble acts that turn theory into reality. Laying down your life for God may mean sacrificing the limelight for a ministry in the nursery.

Remember that Jesus says only those acts of charity which go unnoticed by others will be rewarded in heaven. (Matthew 6:4) Are you working for God's glory or for your own? For God's pleasure or your own? If you only want to bring pleasure and glory to God, then you will see the importance of housekeeping, child-rearing, and other such humble tasks in building his kingdom.

Many leave their church fellowship when the glamour wears off what we are doing. Their motivation was not one of complete obedience to Jesus. They did not have the spirit of a servant, and so, when the excitement dies down, we are not found faithful.

Are you a faithful servant or a phony one?