Living By Faith
Living in the Parenthesis
A parenthesis is a peculiar thing. Parentheses are used by writers to set apart information that they want you to know but do not feel is essential. The material in parentheses could be dropped without damaging the overall story, but it makes a contribution.
Not so with Scripture. The Word of God is full of parenthetical statements. The Lord Jesus taught that every word of Scripture is given by God (Matthew 4;4), and it is completely reliable. In fact, he went so far as to say that even the “jot and tittle” (the smallest markings in Hebrew writing) would be fulfilled. (Please note that parenthetical statements do aid in understanding!) The Holy Ghost inspired not just the thoughts but the very words of Scripture. Here is the point: even God’s parentheses are important.
Life is full of parentheses. College is a parenthesis. It does not last forever (thank the Lord!). It has a definite beginning and ending. One may live without it, but it is important. Trouble is a parenthesis. When we are in it, we think it will never end. It will.
Walking by Faith and Not By Sight
How do you live through the parentheses? One of God’s parenthetical statements holds the answer: “(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)” (2 Corinthians 5:7). It is interesting that the Lord would choose to put this wonderful truth in a parenthesis. Life in the parenthesis must be lived by faith, walking with the Lord Jesus Christ. When we cannot see the other side, we must trust that our God is putting every part of the story together…including the parentheses.
There are different types of parentheses and different lengths of parenthetical statements. One thing is sure: the parenthesis you are in will not last forever. The story will continue. When you get on the other side, it will be easier to understand the contribution it has made to the “tale that is told” of your life. Until then, living in the parenthesis will require living by faith.
The Difference Between Faithfulness and Routine
“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). We all want to be faithful…but what does that mean?
Faithfulness is not a schedule; it is a spirit. There are many people who are present but not present. Fathers who are at home but not really with their family. Church members who are in the meetings but not truly engaged. Preachers who are going through the motions but have lost heart.
There is a difference between faithfulness and mere routine. Vance Havner once observed, “A rut is just a grave with both ends knocked out of it!” Routines can become ruts. Ruts are death.
Here is the real issue: faithful to what?
Faithful to What Matters Most
Many a person has become “faithful” to a program or system. But God-honoring faithfulness is faithfulness to Christ, to His Word, to prayer, to His church, and to seeking lost souls. Faithfulness is not gauged by what is important to us but by what is important to Him!
“Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6). Faithfulness is more than fulfilling your self-imposed obligations. It is giving your life to what matters most to God.
Dr. Frank Sells once said, “A Christian should not be enslaved to anything but Jesus.”
We can get our lives so organized that we schedule the Lord right out! My pastor taught me that Spirit-filled people will always be a little spontaneous because the Spirit often moves without warning. “The wind bloweth where it listeth…so is every one that is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8).
Routine is fine if it is guided by God. But faithfulness goes far beyond mere routine. Refuse to become mechanical. Stop going through the motions. Do what you do for Christ and be faithful.
No Substitute for Faithfulness
A verse about faithfulness has been on my mind recently: “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). There is no shortcut to God’s blessing, and there is no substitute for faithfulness. Education, talent, gifts, resources, connections…these are all important, but there is no substitute for faithfulness.
I know some pastors who have faithfully pastored their church for many years. In some cases, over 50 years! It is one thing for a pastor to go to a church, but it is another thing for him to stay. While so many are shifting, it is refreshing to see some staying.
I know of other workers in churches who are not paid staff but have helped to lead ministries for several decades. No doubt you know some as well. Ordinary people who have faithfully taught the Word of God for many years.
Testimonies of Faithfulness
As an evangelist, I have the opportunity to travel around the country and speak at many churches, and while I am there, I have the privilege to hear stories about the faithfulness of many of God’s people. What a powerful thing to hear the testimonies of people across the country who are serving the Lord, leading their families, and ministering to others. Only the judgment seat of Christ will reveal the eternal impact.
Perhaps you are plodding along in unseen ways, unknown places, and unappreciated tasks. If God has given you the work to do, it is a great work – stay faithful. “Your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
If you have a faithful pastor, praise God for him, pray for him, and let him know you appreciate his faithful example. If you have had a faithful youth worker, teacher, or model, take the time to show your gratitude. I can guarantee you that their faithfulness has not always been easy. It costs something to be faithful. The only thing greater than the cost will be the crown.
May God help all of us to be found faithfully doing what He has assigned us to do when Jesus comes.
Read: Thank God For Faithful Church Members
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