LIFE…

Faithfulness is not the path to Biblical Success…

Faithfulness IS Biblical Success.

(Pastor Tim Jordan; 6/28/2009)

It was encouraging to hear the Pastor of the Church last night stand up and level with the Congregation. His message was a structured Testimony with a point and by the time he reached the end, the point was quite sharp.

This was not the first time in the past month that this sort of concept has come up. Along with my personal musing, the idea of Faithfulness was also the topic of a Wednesday Night Bible Study.

The head of the study asked the question – What does the life of faith [faithful life] look like?

When most of us hear this question we think of fruit, blessing, and success in some form as a reward for or as a sign of Faithfulness. Likewise, we have the tendency to view the opposite of all of these as signs of Unfaithfulness.

The Study on Wednesday Night focused in on Hebrews 11:32-38.

Looking at the first have of the passage (v. 32-35a) we see that through faith…

“…conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection.”

This would seem to be the true marks of Faithfulness. You have great deeds accomplished by and for Men and Women of Faith. Blessing, Fruit, Success!

Yet, you read on in the passage (v. 35b-39) to see that some through faith…

“…Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised…”

Were it not for the inclusion of this section with the previous and the ending statement of the Author (not to mention a basic understanding of Christian History) we would be tempted to see this section as the outcome of sinful choices, disobedience, or straying.

At least, that is how we typically view bad outcomes and circumstances with our modern minds.

I have fallen prey time and time again to the errant concept that good life, good actions leads to comfortable and enjoyable circumstances. I follow the incorrect assumption that a Faithful life leads to “perfect” life. I use Faithfulness to fulfill my fleshly desire for comfort over God’s commendation for pleasing Him by submitting to His Will and Plan.

What I so often miss throughout all of this is -  comfort does not compare with the satisfaction of knowing that faithfulness pleases God (Hebrews 11:6). With that in mind, the temporary discomforts and anxiety give way to peace and joy. The fears and sleepless nights give way to rest and comfort. It honestly is amazing how that works.

So… I will continue to “chew” on these thoughts. I will continue to strive to be Faithful. Though failures will come and situations may arise, may my God in the end say:

“Well Done… My good and Faithful Servant…”