FINDING CONTENTMENT IN OBEDIENCE NOT RESULTS

   

 Do ever you feel insignificant?  Do you ever feel as if you are busy, but accomplishing nothing?   Does contentment seem to elude you because you put forth effort and seem to have no impact.  Everyone experiences frustration from time to time, feeling as if even our greatest efforts are in vain.

    As the world mourns the loss of Evangelist Billy Graham, it may be a good opportunity to ponder things like legacy, spiritual impact and motive in our own lives. There is no question Billy Graham's legacy is secure.  America's Pastor has established a ministry that will most likely outlive his grand children.  Millions of souls have been redeemed through Graham's ministry and personal life.  Graham's spiritual impact is evident, and here is no evidence to question Graham's motives. Billy Graham had a burden for the lost and God gave him a tremendous platform which he faithfully and obediently utilized.  Billy Graham's secret was being satisfied with what God called him to do.  Billy Graham's impact grew out of his obedience.

    Why do we do what we do, is it for notoriety, personal gain, accolades? What is our motivation?  Am I content to follow God and not see the outcome I think I deserve?  Am I content with being obedient or do I want specific results? 

      These are all legitimate questions and a healthy part of self examination.  We all should be asking these questions, or similar ones of ourselves from time to time.

  I am blessed to be in ministry with some very talented musicians.  Many of whom I would put up against any superstar talent. Amazing song writers who are talented at their craft. I and others write and promote stuff on social media. My musician friends record and promote their stuff on various platforms.  Many of us have work we have produced available on Amazon.  What's it all about?

      Mostly, we do what we do because we recognize God has given us a specific ability and we get to use it to His glory.  The bonus is, I love writing.  The musicians I minister with love playing and love creating music.

       I am not a "successful" writer.  Of the over 200 blog posts I have shared, only 2 have been what the blogging industry considers successful.  I am not writing for high volume numbers, I am writing because I feel led of the Lord to do so on this platform.  Will that change? Perhaps, someday.  For now, I continue, in obedience to God, to write and hopefully impact someone's life for the Kingdom. 

   Two passages of scripture motivate me. Matthew 6:33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. And 1Corinthians 10:31  Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 

  If we can understand and incorporate these two passages into our everyday lives, the ideas of success and achievement will take on whole new meaning. We will recognize our obedience is victory and  honoring God is our success. 

What you accomplish may impact only one person but that person is infinitely important to God.  We, also, do not know the long term  impact of our obedience.  We see, in scripture, men like Nehemiah whose obedience had touched the ministry of the Messiah almost 500 years later. 

    If you are doing what you believe God has called you to do and you see evidence of His equipping you to do it, do not worry about the reception or outcome, be content with obedience.  God will use your efforts in His way, in His time, and to His glory.  Be encouraged and strengthened by the knowledge you are in God's will.

Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!