Little Things (Part 2)
Success belongs to the Lord
One thing each Christian must fully realize is that the fruit of our work is of the Lord and success belongs to Him. The Lord gives us commandment and we enter into His work. It is NOT what we do for God, but what God does through us. Success belongs to Him alone. I frequently use a biblical illustration that I believe shows this principle clearly. In the gospels of Matthew, Mark and John we see an event where Jesus told the disciples to get in the boat and go to the other side and He would come and meet them. The disciples rowed most of the night against the wind and were making very little progress. They could have easily justified turning back and waiting out the storm that was blowing against them, but they did not. Jesus’ command was to row to the other side and they were faithful to that command. His promise was that He would come and meet them. Jesus was on the mountain near where they departed and watched them toiling fruitlessly in their hard labors. After many hours, He came walking on the sea, got in the boat and He took them to the other side.
This so beautifully illustrates the labors of the Christian life. God has not promised us an easy ride, nor does God put on us the burden of succeeding in the work. We only have two callings: to know God and to obey God. We know Him through seeking Him and studying the word; we obey God by keeping His commandments. It is hard not to get discouraged when we are rowing against the current and see little or no fruit from our labors; however, we must take our eyes off of success and keep our focus on obedience. God will let us struggle and toil fruitlessly against the wind to test our faithfulness. You will ALWAYS have an excuse to turn back, but you must press on as you wait for the Lord to accomplish His work in His own time.
If you think you should be creating success or producing fruit, you are looking at the work from a fleshly perspective. Humanly speaking, it does not make sense that God would not honor our efforts. When we sacrifice, we think God owes us success and most people get discouraged and even angry when God doesn’t do what we think He ought to do. Do not get discouraged; examine your own life, walk in His truth and let God do according to His own sovereign will. Look at the testimonies of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego who stood upon the Lord and trusted God regardless of the outcome. There testimony to the king of Babylon said it all, “Our God is able to deliver us from your hand…but even if He does not we will not bow to your image”. This is the type of trust we should have. God is able to bless our efforts, but even if we don’t see God do what we desire Him to do, we must stand obediently even if we do not see success with our human eyes.
If we truly have a calling of God, we will persevere even when the going is tough. Many people say that God sent them or God told them to do something, but when success does not come quickly, they are discouraged and quit. This is also why it is so important to first lay the foundation of our relationship with God and understanding of His word when we begin our ministry. Look at Jesus’ explanation of the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:18-23
18 " Therefore hear the parable of the sower: 19 "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. 20 "But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 "yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 22 "Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 23 "But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."
There is a lot we can glean from this teaching, but for this study take notice of the word that took root on the stoney ground. This person felt called, was excited about the word, but hardship or persecution caused them to fall away. Those who look at the word and the ministry of the word from a human perspective will get discouraged and fade away when persecution or hardship challenges their ideas of what God should do. When appointing leaders, the Bible instructs us not to appoint novices. Everyone feels called, but the one who shows themselves to be faithful are the ones who will effectively serve. When someone has a passion for God and the work He has given, it is hard to discourage them. Those who are serving to feel good, gain status, or get the praise of men will lose heart when success and praise are not found. However, if we recognize that God alone is responsible for success and that He rewards our faithfulness, then we can endure. God will allow you to struggle and He has the right to test us even when we sacrifice our lives for His sake.
True Honor
Let us now look at 1 Peter 2:4-7
4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
This is a very important passage for the church as a whole and we as individuals. The church is not a building, but the house of God built with each individual doing the part God has placed them within the church to do. Building the church is not a massive effort where we must do a great undertaking of ‘God-sized’ proportions; it is each member, humbly and obediently doing what God has called them to do. Many times I have heard it taught that we must take on a vision or task so big that only God can accomplish it. This is a false statement. This may have been taught by well meaning people looking to inspire church members, but this mindset blinds our eyes to what God has set forth in His word. It does not take humility to do big things; it often does take humility to do what God has called us to do. Things that seem insignificant are harder to take on because there is no glory, honor, public recognition or feelings of great accomplishment.
We must step back and look at the call of God. God tests us in the little things. We have already seen Jesus’ statement that he who is faithful in little will be faithful in much. The Bible teaches us the parable of the talents where the Lord puts his servants to the test by giving them money according to their own abilities. Those who took what the Lord appointed to them and showed themselves faithful were given greater honor and greater responsibilities. Look at Matthew 23:11-12
11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
In this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples the difference between God’s ways and the ways of the culture. In the world, the greatest rule over others, but Jesus said, “It shall not be so among you”. The greatest are those who serve God by serving each other. To take a humble role is a disgrace among our culture, but in God’s plan it is a great responsibility that God Himself will honor. Look at this wonderful promise from Luke 12:32-38
32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; 36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. 37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. 38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
We watch by seeking the Lord and attending to the calling we have been appointed to do. Jesus has compared our calling with servitude and when He returns, those who are serving faithfully and watching with faith, He will serve those who have served. Throughout the Bible God has promised that those who humble themselves will be lifted up. Look now at 1 Peter 5:5-7
5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
This is an easy passage to understand, but very difficult to live by because it goes against human nature. True humility requires faith. Human nature grapples to take a position of respect and honor. Human nature fights and wars to get what we think is in our best interest. Human nature fears submission because we are afraid that someone will rob us of honor or due respect. Faith looks to the Lord to exalt us in due time. When I look to myself to get honor, I will feel threatened when someone begins to rise above me and I will fear being overlooked when someone begins to show signs of leadership, spiritual maturity or by those who proudly try to elbow their way into positions of status. Faith is not so. Faith calls us to humble ourselves before God and submit to others because we are submitting ourselves to God. Because we trust God and recognize that He alone raises one up and puts another down, we can rest in peace even when circumstances appear threatening.
This is not a new problem. In 1 Kings 12, God delivered the kingdom to Jeroboam because Solomon departed from following the Lord. When Solomon fell into idolatry, God judged him and stated that 10 tribes of the kingdom would be torn from him and given to Jeroboam. The prophet of God went to Jeroboam and told him that he would receive the kingdom because of Solomon’s departure from the faith. He also received the promise that God would establish his kingdom for generations to come if he would follow after the Lord and keep His ways.
Even though God miraculously delivered the kingdom into Jeroboam’s hand, he could not trust the Lord. He was afraid that if the people went to the temple to sacrifice to the Lord that they would return to the original leadership of Israel. To protect the kingdom, he set up idols and led the people astray. I am always amazed when I see this same attitude in the church. Though we may not set up golden calves to worship as Jeroboam did, people do not trust God and try to manipulate the people to gain power or stay in positions they covet. I have seen many pastors try to discourage those whom God is calling into leadership out of fear that their own positions will be threatened. Sometimes people will go to extreme measures to protect their sense of importance. Leaders will attack, undermine, slander and drive out those they view as rivals.
Why is this occurring? It is a complete lack of faith. If God has truly called us into leadership, He will open the door in His own time and He is able to preserve us. When we take it upon ourselves to preserve our own status, we will fall into sin. God has promised that if we humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand, He will exalt us in due time. We do not need to exalt ourselves – and indeed we should take great care not to do so for God has warned that those who exalt themselves will be abased (or humbled) by God. God exalts and God humbles according to His own will. The Pharisees missed the plan of God because they looked at the honor of man as their highest calling. Look at how Jesus addressed the spiritual leaders of Israel in John 5:
44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
If you seek honor, you will not find it. You may be able to persuade men, but the honor of man is not true honor. Many praised men will be ashamed before the throne of God. We must humble ourselves before God and let Him honor us as He sees fit. In His own time He will honor those who humble themselves. Even more treasured is the honor that He will give in that Great Day to those who are faithful in His calling for their life. Has God called you to a humble task? If you are faithful in small things, God will honor your humility, faith, and obedience. Most conflicts in the church are the result of pride interfering with the plan of God. Everyone wants the best gifts and positions of honor, but as 1 Corinthians 12 says, God has shown “you a more excellent way”. What good is it to achieve status that God has not given? God may indeed allow individuals to force their will on the church or gain the honor of man, but this is worthless and it will not prosper in God’s divine plan. Honor has value only when it comes from God.
Living Stones Founded upon the Rock
You are a living stone that holds a valuable position in the living church God is building. Look again at 1 Peter 2:4-7
4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
God has given you abilities, talents, a calling and spiritual gifts for the purpose of edifying the church and building up one another. We have already seen that God tests the faithfulness of His people by calling us to humble tasks first. God may call you to preach, but then shape you through teaching a class or discipleship first. Many times God calls us through smaller steps as He slowly reveals His plan to us. Each person must be willing to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God in order for the house to be tightly joined together. We are all living stones called to be laid upon the corner stone which is Jesus Christ. Each one must be founded upon the Rock. Let’s examine this vital principle by looking at Matthew 7:19-27
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
We must be founded upon the Rock of Jesus Christ in order to be a strong house that will stand when the storms blow and hardships arise. You as the individual Christian must found yourself upon the Rock. The best thing you can do to build the living church of God is to seek God, study the word and grow to spiritual maturity. God uses individuals who seek Him and as you become a living stone founded upon the rock, the church will be strengthened by your secure foundation. The church also must be founded upon the Rock of Christ. As we mature as a local body and set our foundation upon the cornerstone of Christ, the church will be used by God and will endure all things.
Many will claim to know the Lord, but the evidence will be shown in our lives. Throughout the Bible, many people and prophets came and spoke in the name of the Lord, claimed that God spoke directly to them and even proclaimed, “Thus saith the Lord” when in fact God had not sent them nor spoken to them. It is not the one who says they know God that is in God’s will. It is not the one that says, “God sent me” that has in fact been sent by God. The evidence of God’s move is the fruit of their word and labors. If someone is truly of God, they will keep the word in their own lives and their words will be consistent with the word of God and show themselves to be on the solid Rock.
Good Fruit
Many will try to convince you that their fruit is good, but as we saw earlier, it is not the one who honors himself nor is it those who honor each other, but it is whom God honors. The word of God gives us two evidences of good fruit. The first evidence is found in the individual’s life as described in Galatians 5:22-25
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
If God is truly working in our lives, these things will begin to emerge. As we live in the Spirit and walk in the Spirit, the Holy Spirit within us will begin to transform our lives into the image of Christ. As we crucify the flesh and its selfish, sinful desires as we seek the Lord, the Spirit of God will begin to bring these things to maturity in our lives. There may indeed still be times when we get distracted by the flesh and allow its works to temporarily impede our walk, but as we grow spiritually, we should clearly see evidences of the fruit of the Spirit.
The second example of fruit is the fruit of our teachings. If a pastor or teacher is faithfully proclaiming the word of truth, the fruit will show in discipleship. Our commandment by Jesus is to make disciples, baptize them in His name and teach them to obey all that has been commanded. If disciples are beginning to rise up and follow the Lord, this is evidence that God is working to produce fruit in our ministries. This is also why it is so foolish to feel threatened by those who begin to show signs of spiritual maturity. When God begins to stir the heart of those we are teaching, we should rejoice and encourage them to rise up as a leader to follow God’s call. Unfortunately most church leaders feel threatened by those God is calling and lose focus on the great commission of Jesus Christ.
If someone is raised up by God and excels above his teacher, this is not a shame to the teacher but a gift from God. If God has seen fit to use me to stir up someone’s heart who will be used greater than I, this is fruit of my labor and a tremendous privilege. Why should I be so foolish as to fight against God? Why should I feel threatened by accomplishing the very thing that I prayed for God to do through my ministry? No one can uproot a faithful man without God’s hand and if God moves us out of our current role, He will also open the door where He is calling us to go. Once again, if God is moving, it is foolish to resist for He already knows the future and His plan for our life is the only place of peace.
The key for the leader and the learner is the same – those who hear the word and do what has been commanded will be founded upon the Rock. Only those who have dug deep and are founded securely on the rock have the promise that they will not be moved. The hardships and storms of life will hit everyone and God indeed uses these mightily in our lives, but only those on the rock can benefit from the storm. The Rock of Christ cannot be moved; therefore, anyone founded upon that Rock will not be moved either. Consider this passage from Psalm 62:1-8
Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. 2 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. 3 How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence. 4 They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. 5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. 7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. 8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.
David wrote this Psalm when he was in danger and enemies had risen up and were attempting to overthrow God’s work. This is the challenge we all will face. When you are threatened, will you take it upon yourself to make your name stand, or will you wait silently for the Lord and see His salvation? Are you your own defense, or is God your defense? Those who wait on the Lord, trust in Him, and keep His word will be unmovable for they are securely founded upon the Rock. Let the winds blow; keep your eyes upon the Lord. When the storms rage (and they will), keep your eyes upon the Lord. When man attacks and tries to draw your focus into the flesh, keep your eyes upon the Lord.
If you truly believe the word of God and trust in Him, you can be at peace even when your circumstances are a greater threat than you expected. You don’t know when the Lord will tell the storm, “Peace, be still”, but you must set your heart to stand faithful, trusting in Him. Even if your enemies rise from within the church, the command remains to love your enemies, pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you and do good to them expecting nothing in return. Only those who stand by faith and trust in the Lord can be faithful when our human nature cries out to do things by our own strength and in our own way. I love the way God illustrated this in Lamentations 3:24-26
24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. 25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. 26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.
If the Lord is your portion, you will realize how worthless the things that concern us really are. If our goal is to gain Christ and be found in Him, we will recognize what the apostles stated, “I have lost all things and count them as rubbish” compared to the knowledge of Christ. When He is our portion and our reward, we will trust Him and all that is outside of His plan will have little value. When we are attacked or problems arise that make us feel threatened, those who stand by faith will wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Fear is not a sin, but putting our trust in fear so that we allow it to dictate our lives denies our faith and whatever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23). Our human emotions may cause us to doubt, but doubt is not sin. Putting our trust in doubt so that we abandon our trust in God and disbelieve His word is sin. We cannot control our human emotions that rise up within us, but we can control how we respond to them. The man or woman founded by faith upon the Rock will have the power to rest even when the storm blows. These are they who will wait in hope for the salvation of the Lord.
Set your hearts to obey God and keep the small things by faith and God will honor our humble efforts kept through obedience and He will accomplish His mighty work as He chooses. Obedience belongs to man, but success belongs to the Lord alone. Stand by faith and keep His word. If we keep His word to do what God has commanded us to do, God will do what He has promised to do in His word. You are not rewarded for success, but for obedience by faith. Sometimes only God sees and recognizes our faith and obedience yet we stay focused knowing that one day God will honor us - both in this life and the life to come. Consider the promise of 1 Timothy 5:24-25
24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. 25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
Sometimes what we do is not addressed in this life, but we have the assurance that God will bring all things into account in the life to come. Your faithfulness will not be overlooked. If we go unnoticed by man, our good works cannot be hidden in that great day. Keep in mind that Jesus said that when we work for the praise of men, we have already received our reward. When we seek to honor the Lord expecting nothing in this life, great is our reward before God. God has promised to make those who are faithful kings and priests to our God.
Walk by faith and you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. Set your hearts to obey God and do His will – even if we are called to do small things. Obedience belongs to you; success and the fruit of our works belongs to God alone!
Eddie Snipes
Exchanged Life Outreach
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