Faithful Over Time
As we finish up looking at Paul's words about faithfulness this week, let's note what he says about being faithful over time.
Paul was very careful not to push people into public ministries if they weren't ready for the role. He writes of those wanting to become a minister: "He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil." (1 Timothy 3:6)
About deacons, he writes: "They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons." (1 Timothy 3:10)
You need to have proven yourself if you are going to minister in God's name. Jumping in too soon will probably give you a big head. Jumping in if you have never been tested means you might not be the person for the role even if you do desire it.
What I Learned From Being Tested
I often reflect on my own journey to pastoral ministry. How, if I had jumped in when I thought I was ready, things would not have ended well.
I'm grateful for the Methodist system, and then the Nazarene system, which slowed things down and forced me to spend years preparing for this role. This allowed me to be tested time and again to see if this was indeed my calling.
The testing continues, and always will. I am hoping that, by God's grace, I will always be proven ready for this task of caring for God’s people.
The Seriousness of the Calling
Charles Kingsley, writing in his journal on the morning of his ordination, said: "In a few hours my whole soul will be waiting silently for the seals of admission to God's service, of which I dare hardly think myself worthy - night and morning for months my prayer has been, Oh God, if I am not worthy, if my sin in leading souls away from thee is still unpardoned, if I am desiring to be a deacon not wholly for the sake of serving thee, if it is necessary to show me my weakness, and the holiness of my office more strongly, Oh God, reject me!"
The calling to the ministry is very, very serious. The last thing a church needs is somebody who doesn't realise the sacred and holy calling of public ministry - and who hasn't proven themselves faithful in their personal life, their family life, and their community life.
Prove Yourself Faithful Now for What God Has Next
Here's a thought for you. What is God preparing you for? What tests and trials are you going through now, which are going to prove that you are (or aren't) ready for a particular calling?
Could it be that if you prove yourself faithful now, you will be used more mightily by God later? Could it be that if you drop the ball now, it will have a detrimental effect on your opportunities later?
Remember in Jesus' parable of the talents, the master comes back to find some of the servants have done well, and he says those famous words: "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things." (Matthew 25:21)
Friends, don't rush into a ministry or position or place when you're not ready. Simply be faithful over time, where you are currently placed.
Do what you are doing now well. Prove yourself as reliable, as trustworthy.
See how God opens doors for greater and better things, slowly but surely.
God tests our character over time before He entrusts us with greater callings.