Monday, May 26, 2014
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The day grades come out - that's usually an exciting day in most homes. There are a few kids who come home proudly waving their A's and B's. There are more kids who take their time coming home that day. They hope no one remembers. And then there are some kids who just don't come home at all that day. Of course there are the inevitable discussions about, "Why did you get this grade?" And, "Are you doing your best?" And, "What happens next?" And, "Well, you know what we're going to have to do, don't you?" And then we hear a list of very creative excuses as to why the grades are what they are. The problem is, I'm not sure we're always grading the right things. But I am sure that God does.
I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "God's A's."
Our word for today from the Word of God comes from 1 Corinthians 4, and I'm going to read verse 2. "Now it is required to those who have been given a trust..." Let's stop for a minute. That's all of us; we've been trusted with gifts and influence and opportunities. It says, "...those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." Did you notice what it doesn't say? It does not say, "You must prove successful."
Now, the western idea is to grade the result. That's how we are in the western world. We grade whatever the result is. It's the bottom line that counts, right, whatever it takes to get to the bottom line? What are your final grades? Did you win the game or not? Are you a winner? Did you get the award? Did we make a profit? Did you get the prize? In our estimation, winning is always based on the result, but not with God.
No, God says, "I'm looking at faithful." In fact we're told that when we stand before Jesus, the words He will say to those He calls a success are, (And if you know them, say them with me.) "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many." Not, "Well done good and successful servant."
Winning in God's estimation is based on the effort, not the result. Did you do all that you could do? Did you do it with all your heart? Did you treat people lovingly in the process? Did you do it in a way that Jesus would be proud of and not ashamed of? Have you hung in there when you felt like quitting? Have you gone back into the ring for another round when you were beaten and bruised? That's success - whether you won, whether you got the championship or not.
Now, if that's what God looks for, shouldn't we? I mean, let our kids know, let each other know that our expectations have to do with doing your best, not being the best-doing your best. Now, God's kids, because they are princes and princesses in His kingdom should always aim for excellence. But the ultimate issue is 100% effort; being that "count-on-able" person, faithful in your witness for Christ, faithful in your service to Christ. God's surprising heroes!
It's very possible that the world might even consider you a loser. But surprise! Wow! God thinks you are a champion, because His A's are for faithfulness, not success.