What is the word that you would like God to say to you when you see Him? For me, it would be an honor if the LORD says to me, “Well done, good and faithful servant”.
The two words ‘good’ and ‘faithful’ struck me as archaic. How many times we actually applaud a person for being ‘good’ and ‘faithful’ in our world today? But we throw around words like ‘driven’, ‘passionate’, ‘entrepreneurial’ and ‘independent’.
But we know that God values these two characteristics in His children – ‘good’ and ‘faithful’. Let us look at each one of them.
For ‘good’, it is surprising that even Jesus said to the young rich ruler that no one is good but only God is good (Mark 10:17-31). This shows that goodness comes from God alone. That means anything that does not come from God is not good, even though they appear good. Remember that Eve was attracted to the good side of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
Hence, the only way I can be good is when I receive God’s goodness. Now, how can I receive His goodness? It’s only through the blood of Jesus Christ who died on the cross for my sin, that I can come to God justified, from receiving His righteousness. I can only be ‘good’ in the sight of God, by the works of Jesus Christ.
Now, the second word is ‘faithful’. We may think that being ‘faithful’ sounds safe, steady and maybe even boring. Yet, recent research has shown that conscientiousness is the biggest indicator of success. According to Business Insider, ‘conscientious people tend to be super organized, planful, and responsible. They work hard in the face of challenges and can control their impulses’. The key ingredient of being conscientious is faithfulness.
To be faithful is basically to do the right thing and perform your duty, whether big or small, whether there is an audience or not, regardless of the circumstances. That is faithfulness.
That is why God prized faithfulness so much! It is a compliment He looked forward to give His children, “Well done, good and faithful servants”. Now, why would God give us such a lofty standard if He had not plan to enable us in achieving it? Although our flesh may fail us, we can partner with the Holy Spirit in helping us to be faithful. I fail so many times in being faithful to God! But thank God, I am learning better to ask the Holy Spirit to help me!
Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)
Yesterday, we talked about sowing seeds. So, today, we will talk about sowing seeds in faithfulness. What are you faithfully sowing today, tomorrow, and every day? The seeds you sow every day will determine the type of fruit you will harvest. Sow love and you will reap love. Sow respect and you will reap respect. Sow dishonor and you will reap dishonor. What seeds are you sowing today? That is why Jesus said, “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31). Jesus is asking us to sow good seeds.
Yet, sometimes, it is tempting to sow a bad seed in response to injury, insult, and disrespect. Even then, God asks us to sow good seeds, irregardless. That is why we are called to love our enemies. Instead of sowing seeds of hatred, we sow seeds of love. ‘We heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you’ (Proverbs 25:22). Hallelujah! ‘Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good’ (Romans 12:21).
Hence, do not be discouraged. You might not see the tree today, or even a tender shoot off the grounds. But know that when you release the seed, the LORD is working the roots down into the soil, unseen by our eyes but seen by our Father in Heaven.
‘If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones’ (Luke 16:10). It is not the size of our responsibilities that God cares about – whether a small or a big task – but how faithful we are with the things we have in hand. Remember while we focus on the product, the LORD focuses on our process. And if we faithful in going through this process, the LORD will surely reward you when it is time for harvest.
So, start sowing and be faithful in sowing!
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