Initiative to start the task, perseverance to see it through, the ability to let go when it is finished.
I read once of a man who was a pastor for over fifty years who mourned on his deathbed because he would not be able to give that sermon he had just completed.
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Gal. 6:9)
Weariness, lack of desire, apathy, all of these strike the man of God at times. They are expected, for the work is never-ending, in some form or manner that man will be used by the Almighty until his dying breath. He will relish in that knowledge, yet see the unworthiness within himself to be called to do so.
This continual burden, for that is what it is, to serve and serve well will never leave him, but the weariness and discontentment at times are but simple traps compared to the great pitfall. That of feeling needed by the Lord.
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” (Prov. 16:18)
Useful to the Almighty in such a way that no one could take our place, no one could replace us, the work will cease, or at least become unprofitable for His Kingdom when we are gone.
The son of that man gave his father’s final sermon to the congregation, a heart tugging moment, I am sure, but then the work continued. And it will continue when that son dies as well.
Leaving a legacy of oneself should never enter into the thoughts of anyone who has been born again. My beautiful wife will not sit here and write letters to you after I am gone, and even if she was called to, the timbre of them would in no way resemble these I have been led to write.
Every man of God hopes that what he does for the Lord will glorify Him, exalt His Holy name above the heavens, he prays souls will heed the call, brothers and sisters in Christ will be encouraged to serve with fervency and love. But one of his main prayers is that no one will ever notice him, that he will be seen as nothing more than a willing servant. That it is the Most High that will receive all the glory.
Woe to the man who seeks otherwise.
“For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.” (Heb. 3:3)
My lovely wife places Biblical tracts from Chick Publications wherever we go, over the years perhaps thousands of them. She will receive rewards because of the sincerity of her heart for doing so. But the writer of the tracts may receive more, and he also desires nothing more than that the Almighty would be glorified. To seek otherwise, no matter the effort put forth, is selfish, and pride travels with selfishness.
Better that dry and thirsty land for a season than cool waters without humility and thankfulness.
The initiative we undertake is done in faith, the perseverance in servitude, the ability to let go when the task set before us leaves everything to Him who brings the harvest. Seeking recognition for our efforts has been the downfall of many a man and woman of God, whether it be from the assembly or from the world.
“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” (Col. 3:3)
Dead men do not seek for accolades.
Be cautious here, if you are noticed by many, let it be known to them that you are not worthy of their recognition. Reject their applause, point to Christ. All that serve Him desire to remain anonymous, it is not their light, but the light that shines through them they want you to see.
