A few years ago, I was looking through a scrapbook from when I was younger. Tucked among articles from my hometown newspaper about basketball games I participated in was a copy of something I’m sure most people my age did not keep…the report of my ACT scores from the only time I took the test for college entrance.
When you registered to take the test, you listed your top three fields of study in college. My number 1 choice was baffling. Oceanography! Now understand, I grew up in Oklahoma and had never seen an ocean at the time. My only explanation is that I must have watched a documentary about Jacque Cousteau (if you’re under 50, Google it). I didn’t pursue that major (the college I attended didn't offer it).
Children often express extraordinary ambitions when asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Doctor. Professional Athlete. Superhero. I do not believe I have ever heard a child respond this way: “Faithful.”
And yet, Jesus tells us that when we get to heaven, if we’ve lived a life that pleases him, He will say, “Well done, my good and FAITHFUL servant” (Matt. 25:21 NLT). He will only honor us if we have the descriptors of “good” and “faithful”. Faithfulness requires intentionality.
You don’t just drift into faithfulness. You make a choice. “.. the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.” (Habakkuk 2:4, NLT) So, what do you want to be when you grow up? I hope your answer is “faithful”.
When you registered to take the test, you listed your top three fields of study in college. My number 1 choice was baffling. Oceanography! Now understand, I grew up in Oklahoma and had never seen an ocean at the time. My only explanation is that I must have watched a documentary about Jacque Cousteau (if you’re under 50, Google it). I didn’t pursue that major (the college I attended didn't offer it).
Children often express extraordinary ambitions when asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Doctor. Professional Athlete. Superhero. I do not believe I have ever heard a child respond this way: “Faithful.”
And yet, Jesus tells us that when we get to heaven, if we’ve lived a life that pleases him, He will say, “Well done, my good and FAITHFUL servant” (Matt. 25:21 NLT). He will only honor us if we have the descriptors of “good” and “faithful”. Faithfulness requires intentionality.
You don’t just drift into faithfulness. You make a choice. “.. the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.” (Habakkuk 2:4, NLT) So, what do you want to be when you grow up? I hope your answer is “faithful”.
Duke Stone
After 40 years in full-time ministry, I try to see how the little things in life speak big things about God. This blog is an attempt to share with you the many ways I see the love of God in the ordinary things of life.
After 40 years in full-time ministry, I try to see how the little things in life speak big things about God. This blog is an attempt to share with you the many ways I see the love of God in the ordinary things of life.
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