Obedience Over Results: Faithfulness in the Calling
Have you ever wondered if what you’re doing for God truly matters? In a world that celebrates results and recognition, it’s easy to question whether your efforts are making a difference. But God doesn’t call us to measure success by earthly standards—He calls us to be obedient.
Scripture is filled with examples of people who remained faithful to God’s calling despite seeing little fruit in their lifetimes. Noah endured ridicule as he built the ark (Genesis 6:9-22), and Jeremiah preached to a nation that refused to listen (Jeremiah 7:27). They didn’t focus on results; they trusted in God’s plan and obeyed His Word.
Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.” Our role is to faithfully carry out the work God gives us, knowing that He is responsible for the results.
Even Jesus taught us to seek God’s approval rather than human recognition. He said, “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them” (Matthew 6:1). When we serve with humility and faithfulness, God sees, even if no one else does.
We must also remember the eternal value of even the smallest act of obedience. In Luke 15:7, Jesus said, “I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.” Heaven celebrates every single soul that turns to God. If your obedience leads just one person to Christ, it is worth more than all the world’s accolades.
Still, I’ll admit that the need for positive reinforcement can be a struggle. It’s human to want acknowledgment, but we must fight that desire and place our satisfaction in God’s approval. Galatians 6:9 encourages us: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
So, let us be content with the work God has entrusted to us, no matter how small it may seem. Whether we plant, water, or never see the harvest, our obedience brings glory to Him. And when we stand before the Lord one day, may we hear those beautiful words: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.”
I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.
If you have any comments, questions, or testimonies to share, I would love to hear from you! Please reach out at: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com