Faithfulness in Every Circumstance

Faithfulness in Every Circumstance

Many of us are familiar with the parable of the talents found in Matthew 25:14-30. It is a parable that speaks of faithfulness. In verse 14, Jesus said; “for the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called His own servants and delivered His goods to them.”

These servants who were given the talents did not know what would happen with their investment. It was a risk they had to take, and the first two were willing to take it. The third servant was not willing to risk anything. So, he decided to bury everything in the ground and do nothing.

There are many people who want — in theory — to be faithful and effective in the Christian life. Except they have this nagging doubt: What if it doesn’t work? What if I am faithful and I never get blessed? What if I am faithful in returning my tithe and I can’t make ends meet? What if I am faithful and I end up unhappy? What if I am faithful and life just passes me by? Am I willing to take that risk?

The fact is you do not always know the outcome of your efforts. You could write a book, but who knows if anyone will read it? It’s a risk. You can start a business, but who knows if the business will be a success? It’s a risk. You can serve in some type of ministry for years — even decades — but who knows if you will ever see results? It is a risk.

But it is a risk worth taking, because even though we cannot predict the exact outcome of our efforts, you can know this: Your faithfulness will not go unnoticed by the One who matters most — your Heavenly Father. He sees what no one else sees …” Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4) This is why Paul said…” Therefore, dear brothers, stand firm, let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) This test could be translated, “your faithfulness in the Lord is not in vain.”

In the chapter before today’s text, Jesus tells a story about the importance of being ready for His return. He says…Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. (Matthew 24:45-46) When Jesus says, “doing so,” He’s talking about being faithful — every day — because you never know the results. If you want to establish a foundation of faithfulness, make it a daily endeavor — even if you cannot predict the outcome of your efforts. If we do this, one day we will hear words like music to our ears; “…well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.”

Pastor Bill Ochs, Planned Giving and Trust Services Director

 

The Planned Giving & Trust department is open. Have you been thinking about leaving a gift to some Wisconsin Conference entity or ministry in your will or trust? Don’t hesitate to contact us at 920-484-6555 ext. 311. I want to help you make a gift that makes a difference!