I had just walked off the stage after speaking to a group of women. I was greeted by gracious cheers and people patting me on the back. Then, I came face to face with someone who I deeply admire.
“Thank you for being faithful.”
Now granted, much of my talk was about being faithful so I was very thankful for the sentiment. I guess maybe I was hoping for a follow-up statement too. Something like, “That was amazing” would have been…well…amazing!
If I’m being honest, being faithful in Christian circles sometimes feels equivalent to “having a good personality” in dating circles. :-) It’s a great thing but anyone can be faithful, right? All you have to do is keep doing what you are suppose to be doing and you get the faithful label. But even though anyone can do it, not everyone does. Just because it isn’t complicated doesn’t mean it’s easy. In fact, being faithful may be the hardest thing we do.
In Ezekiel 44, God was doing some house cleaning. The people had defiled the temple and the Levites, the men chosen to serve at the temple, contributed to it too. God had enough and decreed they would be punished and could not minister as priests…except for one group.
Ezekiel 44:15-16 (NLT) “However, the Levitical priests of the family of Zadok continued to minister faithfully in the Temple when Israel abandoned me for idols. THESE MEN WILL SERVE AS MY MINISTERS. They will stand in my presence…16 They alone will enter my sanctuary and approach my table to serve me. They will fulfill all my requirements.”
When God needed people to do His work, He wasn’t looking at who had the best turnout at Sabbath school class. He didn’t check to see who was quoted most around the the well (aka water cooler). Instead, He recalled the faithfulness of the sons of Zadok during a time when other priests had turned their backs on Him.
Their faithfulness was the key to their future.
Being faithful isn’t typically glamorous. It’s showing up when you feel like backing out. It means staying committed long after the luster and shine have faded and the crowd has dwindled. It is consistently doing your part and giving it your all. It means honoring God with your time, talent and treasure even if no one seems to notice.
Mother Teresa said, “I do not pray for success, I ask for faithfulness.”
I’m human. The roar of the crowd may always have its appeal. Thankfully though, I realize when another big day comes, and I’m standing before the One who gave His life for me…I wouldn’t mind it if He says, “Thank you for being faithful.” In fact, I know that would be all I need to hear. ~Anu
Photo by David Calderón on Unsplash
