April 25

Apr 25 - Today from Proverbs 25 we look at verse 19
"Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble."

We are in the section of Proverbs (chapters 25-31), assembled by King Hezekiah's aids specifically for the king and those who serve with him. The principles have general application but are particularly helpful to those who serve, or who are being trained, in areas of leadership.
One thing leaders have in common is the need for those upon whom they depend for assistance to be faithful - especially in times of trouble. This is the time for their supporters to step up to the plate and do the very best they can in the area of responsibility for which they were chosen.
Let's take a quick look at the analogy Solomon sets forth. We depend upon our teeth to cut, tear and grind our food in order to properly digest it. Things go well until one day, when we are depending on a sound molar to grind a bite, we experience an incredible pain in our jaw. We depend upon our feet to support our weight and keep us properly balanced as we self-propel from place to place. Things go well until one day we make a miss-step and wrench an ankle. Fortunately, even though it's an inconvenience in life, we can go to the dentist or the doctor and get these things remedied.
An unfaithful person is different in this respect, it is not that they can not get the job done, it is that they will not get the job done. They have the capability, but they do not have the commitment. They will function in their position, until something they deem as a higher priority interferes with that function. They are undependable. A person who has the passion but who lacks ability can possibly be trained. But what does a leader do with a person who has the ability but no passion? He has no choice but to dismiss that servant from their area of responsibility.
As with many proverbs from this section, there are two areas of practical application. The first is from the perspective of a position of leadership. Leaders are to carefully choose those whom they are to entrust with areas of responsibility. If the person fails because of lack of ability, the leader needs to determine if the servant can be trained to handle it. If the servant fails because of a lack of commitment and faithfulness, the leader needs to dismiss that servant. Ability means little without commitment. These can be very difficult decisions to make - but leaders must make them.
The second application is for the servant (staff member, employee, committee leader, etc.). One of the attributes of integrity is faithfulness. If a servant commits to support the whole through faithful application of their skills and abilities in their area of responsibility, the leader depends on that commitment. Even when it doesn't make sense. Even when it looks like the whole thing is going south. Even when it looks like their contribution will not help the situation. The leader is responsible for the big picture and depends on those serving with him to faithfully carry out their responsibilities even in the tough times.
Because we are servants of the Lord Jesus, serving the greater purposes of His kingdom, He often taught on this principle. The parable of the sower (Mark 4), speaks not of the seed, but of the soil. Read the parable carefully and you will quickly discover the principle of faithfulness and perseverance. The parable of the Great Feast (Luke 14) speaks of values. The journey to the feast was interrupted for certain invited guests when other priorities (values), caused them to apply their interests elsewhere. At the end of chapter nine of the same gospel, the parable of the Great Feast was a reality. Jesus called men to follow Him, but they always had something else they needed to do first. Jesus ends the chapter with this ringing statement, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." (verse 62).
Leaders are looking for people who are committed to excellence in ministry. Servants can commit to excellence in ministry knowing that the Lord is watching, and will reward those who persevere. Jesus says in Luke 16:10, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much." Some people think that they are too talented, or too qualified to be assigned the very little. Tell me this; How can a leader know that individuals can be trusted with much if they are unwilling to prove their faithfulness in the very little? Why would a leader risk chewing on an infected molar or stepping on a sprained ankle? There is no wisdom in that.
Today I want to salute all of those who have been faithfully serving in their assignments, even when they receive no recognition. Those who stay the course even when it looks futile. Those who show up even when everyone else has something better to do. Those who serve in excellence because they serve the Lord and not men. Know this; God is watching. We do not receive all of our rewards in this life, but Jesus promises in Revelation 22:7, "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done." Do not be discouraged, for you can be sure of this - GOD IS FAITHFUL!