Are You Faithful to Your Current Calling?

We love great acts of heroism and historic acts of courage. But we also tend to undervalue the myriad minutes of waiting and working behind the scenes. For every one Paul, a visibly celebrated instrument of the Lord, there are thousands Tychicus and Epaphras (Colossians 4:7–8, 12–18). These saints were equally called to work unto the Lord with a faith of equal standing with the apostles (2 Peter 1:1). Their desire to serve the Lord did not wax and wane on the day of little things but worked heartily knowing that heaven is watching. 

The Lord summons most of us to such a life of ordinary days rather than glamorous tomorrows. To be a footnote rather than the prologue. Paul calls the Corinthians to be “always abounding in the work of the Lord,” as they await bodily resurrection and glory, knowing their labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). 

The call to always abound means we give all of ourselves to the work of the Lord now, irrespective of status or recognition, knowing God will reward our waiting and our work.

Circles of Responsibility

Working for the Lord without needing to be seen is a pivotal quality of a future missionary. We are tempted to think that, somehow, we will become more productive and reliable when we are on the field. However, how we live now is a litmus test for our time in the field. 

The maturity you display now will indicate your heart’s inclinations when exposed to high pressure and low support on the field. Here are various ways you can see if you are being faithful in your current season:

1. God: 

• Do you continue to grow in knowledge, love, and devotion to the Lord in a lifestyle of Bible reading and prayer?
• Do you train yourself in the Word so that your teaching is not erroneous?
• Do you endeavor to bring all your relationships to God’s presence more than your presence?

2. Self:

• Do you exercise self-control in your desires, thoughts, and actions?
• Do you seek accountability to fight against sin, and are quick to repent?
• Do you prioritize your tasks well so that life is uncluttered?
• Do you rest well to avoid burnout?
• Do you sacrificially love others more than your plans?

3. Family: 

• Is time with your family being sacrificed because of other priorities?
• Is your communication honest, upbuilding, timely, and kind (Ephesians 4)?

4. Church:

• Do you set aside time to serve those in your church or compromise it for work, studies, or leisure? 
• Are you hospitable and giving of your resources to see your local church built?
• Do you make it a practice to pray for your pastors and members?

5. Work/School:

• Do you labor at your workplace unto the Lord and not as an eyeservice? 
• Do you continue to sharpen your skills for God’s glory?
• Are you a reliable team player?
• Do you make it a priority to proclaim the gospel to your unbelieving coworkers and to encourage those in the faith?

6. Others:

• Do you seek out potential ways to reach your neighbors, friends, and the helpless in the city, so they know Jesus?
• Are you currently discipling anybody around you?

Carrying My Cross Well

The Lord does not call most missionaries to martyrdom, but he calls all of us to die to ourselves a thousand ways in our lifetime. He does not ask for great accomplishments but simple faithfulness. So, ask yourselves: Are you faithful to what the Lord has called you right now? Or are you waiting for a tomorrow when you can reap the fruit of plenty without considering what you sow today?  

Let me encourage you with the story of William Wilberforce. His life’s work was to fight against slavery in the United Kingdom, and when he heard of the passing of the bill to abolish the slave trade, his response was Psalm 115:21: “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and faithfulness.”

Wilberforce could give glory to God at his most visible moment of victory because he was faithful in a thousand small ways before heaven’s audience. Similarly, may you and I be found filled with the oil of faithfulness, ready to receive our reward, whenever the Lord Jesus arrives.