What does it mean to be FAITHFUL?
Twelve days ago, something important happened that slipped under the radar with all that happened in our nation this year: “My first 52 Pastors University pastors graduated!” (Click here for more info)
Faithfulness is not often noticed, but always rewarded. What are you working toward that is really testing your faithfulness?
The graduation address that evening came from Pastor Jonathan Stockstill, my son who pastors Bethany Church. I’m going to borrow his outline because it was so good!
When Paul spoke to his spiritual son in 1 Timothy 2, he used three occupations to describe “faithfulness”:
A “soldier”: You cannot be DISTRACTED.
Soldiers are dedicated…committed…focused. They are often up all night, scanning the night sky for signs of the enemy.
The world is offering so many distractions now: digital entertainment, hobbies, wealth, power. You cannot take your eyes off the prize, off the finish line.
FOCUS. What is your spiritual objective, your mandate, your single purpose? Don’t “scatter your shot.” Keep your eye right on your enemy and never stop being “watchful.”
An “athlete”: You cannot be DISQUALIFIED.
Keeping the rules, obeying the laws, staying inside the boundaries are critical to compete and stay in the game. I’ve seen pastors and leaders who were faithful for years but “dropped the ball” by allowing temptation to overcome them.
Pay as much attention to your health as to your growth. Work on personal discipline and saying “No” to shortcuts and temptations. Be as careful in your walk as a soldier would be looking for the trip wires of a hidden booby trap on the trail.
A building with a sand foundation cannot sustain height. Your growth should never outgrow your character.
A “farmer”: You cannot be DISCOURAGED.
Farmers have a legendary “work ethic.” They are totally devoted to their work through weather, heat, insects, diseases, and disappointments.
Discouragement is everywhere right now. People are quitting, giving up on God, church, careers, America, and marriages.
Keep on plowing. Keep on planting. Keep on watering. “We will reap, if we FAINT NOT.”
I want to challenge you to be faithful.
Times change. Seasons change. Relationships change. Politics change. The stock market changes.
Life is a marathon, not a sprint.
If you have become “distracted,” write down your ten goals for next year and put three keys to success under each goal.
If you have become “disqualified,” go back to where you “stepped out of bounds.” Ask for forgiveness. Prove yourself faithful again. God forgives and eventually, people will also.
If you have become “discouraged,” get perspective. A setback, a disappointment, a hard time is not the end of your life.
Point at yourself in the mirror and say out loud
“YOU are going to make it.”
“YOU are going to finish your course.
“YOU are not going to stop until you finish.”