Truth Matters from Pastor Dean...

When God calls you into a service or ministry for Him don’t expect a bunch of “at-a-boys” from folks.  Sometimes you will wonder if your service or ministry has any impact or consequence at all.  None of us wants our service to God to be categorized as “Ichabod” (1 Samuel 4:21).  But if we stay resolute and faithful to the calling God has given us, there is no guarantee that any accolades will come...no guarantee that success will give us satisfaction.  What then?  Should we continue on?  If our commitment is to God alone and He has called us to some service for Him, accolades are not what we’re looking for.  We must place our service in the hands of our sovereign God knowing He has a plan and purpose for our calling.  We are in the service accountable to One.  If we are faithful to His calling, our “accolades” will come from our Lord (1 Corinthians 4:4-5).  Accolades are encouraging when they come from people, but don’t base your ministry on receiving them.  Stay focused on God’s calling as the Apostle Paul did:

⁹ For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. ¹⁰ We are fools for Christ's sake...(1 Corinthians 4:9-10).

If we were to take the thought of being revered by men out of the picture, how many of us would give up our lives to follow our Lord’s leading?  Probably not many.  It’s what Jesus was driving at when He eliminated “would-be” disciples by these stark words:

²⁶ “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. ²⁷ Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.  (Luke 14:26-35)

Well then...are we serving to be recognized by men...or are we serving our Lord because we trust Him to use our faithful service for His own glorious purpose?  Big time question requiring a surrendered answer.  My prayer for you and me this morning is this:  Lord, You created everything, including us, to bring You glory and honor...even when we feel hidden, unspectacular, or insignificant.  Keep us focused on You and being faithful to Your calling, awaiting Your “ad-a-boy” at the bema.

Walk with the King today and be a blessing.