Daily Devotion: YOUR LOYALTY, TO GOD OR TO THE MINISTRY?

Since most of us are leaders now, let us be true in examining ourselves. From the time we knew about our God and our Savior, and from the time we get busy with the ministry, did we experience feeling so tired and felt like giving up? It seems that we are already too exhausted and drained because of our busy schedules? The truth is, it’s normal for people to get tired, but it’s not normal for us to give up and decrease our faith in God.

Why do we get tired?

When the time I became a true Christian, I was taught that faith without work is dead (James 2:26) . I guess this holds true with most Christians, they are challenge to get involved with the ministry because as they say that it is how a Christian should live.

Most of us believed that we should all need to be busy with those ministries that are around, like music, discipleship, outreach programs etc. But whether you like it or not, most people sooner or later get tired and fail to stay loyal with the ministry they got in to.

If it’s true that “faith without work is dead”, it’s also possible that “work without faith is dead”! In reality, you can be part of all those ministries even though you are not in good terms with God. It could happen, and sad to say that most leaders act like that.

Just like what our pastor normally says, sometimes, “we get busy with the kingdom, and not with the King!”

Now, our topic for today is:
Your Loyalty, TO God, or TO The Ministry?

This is a very tough question to answer. Why? It’s because we will say that all we do is for the glory of God, right? But if it’s for the glory of God, why do we think of giving up?

Unfortunately, some of us serve because other people do serve. It’s like a TREND nowadays. Every action we do should be the outflow of our love for God.

Here's an example:
If your passion is to sing for God, then you should not get tired of singing, right?
If your passion is to dance for God, then you should not get tired of dancing, right?
If your passion is ushering for God, then you should not get tired being an usher, right?
If your passion is to preach for God, then you should not get tired of preaching, right?

Your motivation is being tested here. You can weigh your loyalty because of motivation.

"By the power at work within us [God] is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine. Ephesians 3:20 (NRSV)"

The primary thought in the area of religion is to keep your eyes on God. Not on people or ministry. Have no motivation other than to know your Father in heaven. Why? Because if your motivation is the people that God is using, you are missing the point. If ever they will reach the time that they will feel weak, same thing will happen to you.

Do you not wonder why our pastor talks about the church’s' vision always. It’s because we need to catch the vision before we do the action. Vision and faith is the strongest foundation we can have to stay connected and loyal to God.

We don’t need to be active in the ministry to show people that we are Christians, actions speak louder than words. Our lifestyle will dictate who we really are. What makes us a Christian is our faith in God, not our works. Though we will reap according to what we sow, still God looks at the heart and our motives.

Some points to know if you are loyal to God:

1.) You seek HIM always

Psalm 14:2 The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.

2.) You never quite
Jam 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

3.) You are passionate in doing things for God
Col 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,

4.) You pursue Gods plan, not yours
Pro 3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.

5.) You do His commands
2Ch 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.

6.) You Trust Him
Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding

7.) You Love Him
Deuteronomy 6:5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Your faithfulness to the ministry should be the fruit of your faithfulness to God. What’s happening is that we become faithful to the ministry before being faithful to God, right?

Don't ever forget that our motives are weighed by the Lord according to the Book of Proverbs.
(Proverbs 16:2 - All a man’s way seems innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.)

Take Note: This will be the last 3 verses.

According to Hosea 6:6:
Hosea 6:6 I'd rather for you to be faithful and to know me than to offer sacrifices.

Your Everyday Personal Prayer:
Pro 3:3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.

God’s Promise For Those Who Are Faithful:
Pro 28:20 A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.

Always Remember:
Your Greatest Ministry is when you become highly committed to God.
"Our loyalty to God is not tested when everyone is strong, but when they are not and you still are."