A Little Leads To A Lot

Years ago, Lay’s potato chips can’t out with a genus slogan, “Bet you can’t eat just one.” It was genius because it throws down somewhat of a challenge of our willpower, but it is also brilliant because they are stating how good they believe their product is without being in your face about it. The truth is, Lay’s is right, we can’t eat just one. I know there is scientific evidence that shows that because potato chips are a dry food, it takes more of them to fill us up. That is why we start out saying we are just going to eat a few, and then when we finish taking out hand out of the bag, half the bag is gone. They are so good, and just a few won’t do, so we keep going not realizing what we are doing. There is something else that is that seductive. It is sin. Jesus in Luke 16, speaks of a particular sin. He speaks of the sin of unfaithfulness. Luke 16:10 says, “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.”

One character trait in humans that can either be good or bad is ambition. Ambition can drive us to work hard, and to strive to achieve things that most people won’t even attempt. However, ambition can also lead people to cut corners and take unnecessary risks that bring great harm. Speaking as a pastor, I don’t know a single pastor that doesn’t want to see the church they lead grow. There is nothing wrong with desiring God to bless the fruits of ministry as long as we understand it is His church, not ours, and we go about seeking the growth in God-honoring ways. The problem in the business world can also be a problem in ministry, in that you are judged by outward success, and in a desire to be seen as successful you may give in to the temptation to cut some corners to get the results. However, in doing that you are truly cheating yourself. You are missing out on seeing the faithfulness of God move in your life and give life to the church you lead. There’s a reason that God put a prohibition on a pastor of not being a new convert. Pride can very subtly creep in and derail a ministry and the minister. I heard Pastor Robby Gallaty say one time, “the only ability God is looking for in you is your availability.” It’s not about the size of ministry that you lead, it is about your faithfulness to God, your calling, and your family in the ministry you are called to lead. I had a professor say, “the assignment God gives you will match your character.” You may be tempted to think, “I don’t lead a ministry so this doesn’t apply to me.” However, I would say that you are very, very wrong. Pride and ambition are two things that lurk just below the surface in all of us. We must constantly ask God to check our hearts and reveal any unholiness in us. Whatever God is calling you to do in your life is no small task. You may never write a book or speak at a conference, but it doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter. Our faithfulness to God and His calling is a matter of stewardship. How are we using what He has given us to glorify Him and point others to Him? Don’t focus on where you want to be or think you should be. Start with where you are, and ask God to help you be faithful to Him right there, and then trust Him to move you if and when He desires to.

By His grace and for His glory,

Pastor Justin