“Faithfulness is not doing something right once but doing something right over and over and over and over.” ~ Joyce Meyer
Faithfulness is an attractive character trait. We are naturally drawn to people with the self-discipline and focus to remain faithful in their relationships and to their cause over time. As leaders, we are all too familiar with how easily distractions and temptations can derail us and take us off course. Having a clear and compelling vision for the future is essential to keeping us on track and headed toward our goal. Keeping that picture in mind is the key to maintaining focus and gaining perspective for steady and faithful service over time.
Faithful leaders stay on course. Their steadiness comes from their personal discipline to stand firm in their faith and not allow themselves to be blown off course by the storms of life. These leaders stay consistent in their commitment to always do the right thing no matter what the cost. They are visionary leaders and understand that their faithfulness today will sow seeds that bear fruit in the future. Their ability to see the big picture gives them a long-term perspective. I like this word picture in Proverbs:
As workers who tend a fig tree are allowed to eat the fruit, so workers who protect their employer’s interests will be rewarded. (Proverbs 27:18)
Faithfulness is all about delayed gratification. Good leadership is when you “tend to the fig tree” well today, so that someday in the future, you can “eat the fruit.” A clear vision of our future fulfillment gives purpose to our sacrifice today. You cannot be short-sighted and expect to remain faithful.
Faithful leaders understand that what they give up today is never lost. Their sacrifice today is simply invested in a future reward that is well worth waiting for. Don’t focus on the cost, focus on the reward. Faithfulness is basically an issue of good stewardship. As Christian leaders we are called to oversee all that God has placed in our realm of influence. This includes all the people, knowledge and resources He has entrusted to us. By being faithful in your leadership responsibilities today, you will bear the fruit of fulfillment in your life and leadership in the future.
Christian leaders are workers for God’s greater purpose. The cost of your sacrifices today are going to be totally worth it on that day in the future when you hear the Master say, “well done my good and faithful servant.” For whatever you seek in the future, how you lead today matters.
Let me encourage you to remain faithful today. Faithfulness is a daily discipline. Long-term faithfulness is accomplished one day at a time. Quickly confess unfaithfulness, accept God’s forgiveness and grace and get back on track. Be a faithful steward of all God has entrusted to you. The seeds of faithfulness you sow today will bear much fruit of fulfillment in the future.