Focal passages: Matt. 26:36-46; 1 Pet. 4:12-19
My parents referred to Christians as “the faithful few.”
I didn’t understand the term, nor did they explain it.
In time, I defined “the faithful” as the nucleus around whom success for any great cause is achieved.
Faithfulness doesn’t depend upon education or station in life, and its ranks are open to any who are willing to dedicate themselves to the victory of a cause.
Jesus said, “Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much” (Luke 16:10).
How can we know God’s will? E. Stanley Jones’ suggested, “When in doubt, do the most Christlike thing. If any guidance seems at variance with what you see in Christ, doubt that guidance, for it cannot be of God, however implemented by reason or emotion.”
Peter urged us neither to be surprised nor ashamed when we suffer because of our faith. We’re to continue to do right, entrusting ourselves to God (1 Pet. 4:19).
The closest I’ve come to suffering for my faith occurred when, at a faculty party, those of us who didn’t drink, or laugh at immoral jokes stayed a while, then thanked our host, and left.
The following morning, Brian, a student of mine, reported that a teacher said, “We had a great time last night once ‘the sticks in the mud’ went home.” Brian said, “I knew she was referring to you.”
“I’m honored you could identify me as one she described,” I said.
Peter wrote, “When the fiery ordeal arises to test you, don’t be surprised, as if something unusual were happening to you. Instead … rejoice, so that you may also rejoice … at the revelation of His glory” (1 Pet. 4:12-13).
We exhibit our willingness to follow God’s will by acting upon it. Jesus cried on the night before He died, “My Father!
“If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will” (Matt. 26:39).
When we question whether we missed God’s perfect will for our lives, let’s agree that God will use and bless whatever we dedicate to His glory. Now, retired from teaching, I’ve become a Christian writer; and Brian, my former student, is a minister.
As George Eliott said, “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”