Faithfulness Ain’t Pretty, But the Destination Is
Do you ever wonder if you should’ve gone to that shindig instead of staying at home?
How about the concert you weren’t able to go to with your friends?
How about the guy you dated for a few years who finally did something with his life?
FOMO is real.
Perhaps it’s not quite as relevant in the unprecedented Zoom-age where most are cooped in their homes, but it’s definitely real.
A 2016 Time article titled “This Is The Best Way to Overcome Fear of Missing Out” by Eric Barker explains that much of our self-induced FOMO comes from checking Instagram and other social media platforms a little too much.
Yes — you, the side-parting, crying-emoji-using, ancient millennial being on apps that are for Gen Zers.
(Btw, this message is for myself as much as it is for you).
As we wade in the endless screen-induced haze of our peers’ and influencers’ perfectly curated, filtered and photoshopped pictures, videos, and well-crafted captions, we begin to feel a sense of uneasiness, jealousy, and frankly, unhappiness.
The article ultimately suggests we turn to two things:
- Focus your attention on the good things in life.
- Practice gratitude.
These two suggestions have to do with perspective and active steps to focusing on positive things, but oftentimes, we find ourselves distracted by numerous stimuli, whether it’s our families, friends, jobs, or the Netflix show we’re binge-watching.
And as our focus is turned more and more away from the things that matter, we need to reorient ourselves to get back on track with what we’ve been called to do.
As such, faithfulness is a challenging concept. It’s not the idea of faithfulness that’s difficult; it’s the carrying out of daily faithfulness that causes people to stumble.
Paul states it plainly in I Corinthians 4: 1–2. He asserts, “This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
As servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries, it is imperative that we be found faithful.
And honestly, faithfulness can be boring. Faithfulness is not glamorous. Faithfulness can be menial, draining, and redundant.
But faithfulness is not meaningless.
Faithfulness, instead, demonstrates worthiness to a Cause, the Ultimate Cause. The reason why we keep taking daily, faithful steps in our words, thoughts, and actions is to invite more and more folks into the Kingdom of God.
And when we look back, we will gasp in awe. We will wonder at the works He has accomplished through faithful stewards.
I often turn to this verse when I need to reorient myself.
When Jesus outlines the parable of the talents, He ends with Matthew 25:23, “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.”
If you have found yourself in sadness and discontent, perhaps you need to reorient your focus.
Are you focusing on your follower-count, what others are doing, and how much more you need to accomplish to reach your 10-year goal?
Great.
But steel yourself, and prepare for the greater glory of daily faithfulness; for then, you will finally enter into the joy of a loving Master.
What are your priorities? How are you spending your daily time?
Pray this prayer with me:
Father God,
Thank you for your kindness that leads us to repentance, for the gifts and talents you give us, and the opportunities you allow us to be a part of your good work. At times I grow weary and feel unsatisfied by fleshly pleasures and consuming temporal morsels online and in my community. Give me a fresh-outpouring of your Holy Spirit, to use my time wisely and pursue daily, moment by moment faithfulness, for your glory. I yearn to share in Your joy.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
