Moreover, it is required of stewards that a man be found faithful. I Corinthians 4:2 KJV
My daughter and her family spend much of their summer at the beach in Florida where her husband ministers at a camp. In that same area there are many Christian college students who come and work in the mornings and then do outreach in the afternoons. So I wasn’t surprised when she and I heard two workers in the store where we were talking about serving God. They were stocking shelves and had their backs to us, but as we approached them, one girl said, “I know I shouldn’t compare myself to someone else, but it’s hard not to feel discouraged. I know that God says all He asks is that we be faithful.…”
Maybe she would have continued, but by that time, we were walking right behind them, and I reached up and put my hand on the back of the girl on the ladder who was talking and said to her, “God highly values faithfulness. Just do it a day at a time, and He will give you the grace.” She turned around smiling and the four of us had a sweet conversation in the baby department!
Isn’t it so easy to compare ourselves to other people who are doing what we think are “amazing things”—or doing the things we wish we were doing? Even when I know comparing is not a good thing, it’s hard for all of that not to kick in when I see other people. In those moments, I do what that girl did: I say to myself that all God requires is faithfulness. But the truth is, that just doesn’t feel like enough sometimes! I mean, when there doesn’t seem to be a big return on my investment, or people aren’t expressing appreciation for the fact that I showed up once again (or that I can be depended upon to keep my word), being faithful doesn’t seem note-worthy.
I have news for you! It is noteworthy to God! His highest commendation in the Gospels when people stand before the One takes account is: “Well done my good and faithful servant.” Not famous, not flashy. Faithful. But then the Scripture goes on to say, “Since you have been faithful in the least I will make you head over much.” If you are going to reward somebody big-time for what they did, that thing must be of high value to you. So God highly values faithfulness.
If what you are doing in your life right now feels “least,” keep doing it. Keep showing up. Stay the course. Press on. God sees you, and as you look to Him, you will finish the race, faithful to the end. He says to you today, “Well done!”
*Are you discouraged about something that doesn’t seem to be enough, even though you are doing all you can?
Heavenly Father, help me to faithfully do the work You have given me to do. Even though it feels “least,” You tell me to be faithful there—that it matters to You. You see me, and You take joy in my steadfast obedience to You. Help me to stop looking around and just to look up. I want to last long and finish strong, through Your strength and help! Amen.
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