There is a deep satisfaction in the moments where we see the fruits of our labor.
A high grade on a paper that you spent countless hours studying for,forgoing your social life and Netflix addiction.
The satisfaction when you begin to see muscle tone for the first time after consistently working out for 28 days.
The joy of seeing your college diploma hanging up in your office, which you earned studying your tail off while living off Ramen noodles and enduring 5-6 years of academia (let’s get serious, the reality of most college students graduating in four years is a myth).
We have within us a drive and desire to see the fruits of our labor. This is not a bad thing. In fact, I would argue that it is a good thing, when we understand that it is not always the case. There are simply times when we don’t get the opportunity to see the fruit of our labor. In those times we remember:
“And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
That is the promise from God. Our labor is not in vain. The results will be seen. We will receive the crowns for our faithfulness and trust in Jesus in this life . Hold on to this.
However, by God’s grace there is opportunity in this life to see the fruit of our labor, and find great joy and hope in it, especially in regards to discipleship!
“For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 3:8
Paul, as he recounts all the suffering and persecution that has fallen upon him and his comrades for his commitment to Christ, reflects here on one of the major factors that kept him going day-in and day-out. Amidst the pain and sorrow that has come upon him, the great hope that fuels him on is that those whom he has invested his life in are continuing in their faith and pursuing Jesus!
For those who have taken the Great Commission seriously, and are actively discipling and making disciples, this verse resonates as the heart cry of your soul. There is great joy, and pleasure, when we see that those we invest our lives in are pursuing and walking with Jesus. We feel the surge of pride and awe at the work of God in someone’s life. We know that the countless hours, sacrifices, and patience pay off. We see and taste the fruit of our labor, and it is blissfully sweet.
Yet, on the other side, our commitment to investing in others can lead to the bitter fruit of disappointment, betrayal, and heartache when those we have invested in stumble in their walk, or even at times walk away from the Lord. The pain is deep, for we you cannot disciple without investment of your self. Discipleship can be messy, but we cannot, and must not, close our hearts from loving and discipling others after we experience the heartache. Too many, crippled by past experience, close themselves off from the calling on every believer’s life. They resonate well with C.S. Lewis:
“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.”
To disciple without love is not discipleship. When we pursue the joy of discipleship, we must do so with abandon.
So what brings me the most joy, apart from serving Jesus, as I work with college students?
The joy that is added to my emotional bank account as I watch them pursue and love Jesus above all else.
This is what brings me, and any other Christ follower, a high yield of joy. I love investing in students and seeing them grow and mature in their faith while in college. I love watching as students leave the college campus and continue to serve Jesus across the world by being faithful to the areas and situations that God has called them to. I love seeing students continue to pursue Jesus using the teaching and instruction that they received through our ministry and their home church while in college.
My question for you is, who have you invested in? Who are you discipling to be more like Jesus? Are you finding your joy in seeing others walk in the truth? Are you willing to put yourself out there, to be faithful to the Great Commission, and to commit your life to what can ultimately bring you the greatest pleasure?
This calling, and opportunity, is not only on my life as a minister. But any person who claims to be a follower of Christ. Think on it.
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4
FightingTheNoise,
Phillip
fightingthenoise 