Faithfulness Serving Others, First
Faithfulness: A Summary
In this series, we have been looking at faithfulness; meaning keeping your word, promises, commitments; and doing what is just, right, and fair in situations. Whether in relationships, or in your financial, professional, or spiritual life; it’s the quality of showing up to do the small things, to do the lesser things. It’s showing yourself faithful right now, in whatever rank or position, with whatever resources- whether pertaining to this world or the kingdom of God.
Faithfulness in Service to Others
In today’s scripture Jesus say, And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own? (Luke 16:12). It’s being faithful over the lesser, before the greater. It’s the quality of showing up to do what is right for someone else.
Let’s say you want to start your own business- whether non-profit or for profit. Did you show up to work when you were an employee for someone else? Were you faithful in carrying out the duties and expectations that you were hired to do, or did you do the bare minimum to get by? If you didn’t or couldn’t show up for someone else, to do a, b, and c; do you think you’ll have the motivation to show up for yourself to do a-z? As sole
proprietor, you are the sole employee. It’s all on you. You don’t work a regular business day like an employee. You are owner, worker, book-keeper, payroll, etc. If you were careless and undisciplined in how you carried out someone else’s short list, it’s unlikely that you will all of a sudden become organized, disciplined, and faithful to carry out your new extended list of duties. General-ly, people reap what they sow. So, sow good seed.
Or let’s say you want to start or lead a ministry at church? You feel like you have something of value to contribute and/or you have a passion for this particular outreach. Did you show up to meetings even though you weren’t an officer? Were you attentive and engaged? Were you a peacemaker? My former Pastor used to always say, “You have to be good follower before you can be a good leader.” So, do right in the role you’re already in. A lot of times, the person God calls forward to lead, was perfectly content following. They didn’t have any aspiration of leading, but they did prove themselves to be faithful. Let that be you. Whether a desire to lead or not, be faithful in your service under another and God may honor that in calling you forward to lead.
Conclusion
I am reminded of this statement from 1 Corinthians 13:5. Charity (which is love), “does not seek its own.” Love is about thinking of others, elevating their needs above our own, and serving as unto the Lord. Whether follower or leader; employee or owner; love. Let the love of God drive you towards faithfulness in all God’s called you to; right here, right now.
