He That Watereth

In your all-important mission, whatever that might be, truth stands as an unwavering guide and ally. In a world rife with lies and half-truths, accepting the unvarnished truth becomes a revolutionary act. The dominant culture may tempt us to prioritize comfort over truth, but such a compromise provides only temporary relief with long-term consequences. You must consider the type of impact and legacy you desire. Lies may work in the short term, but eventually the truth comes to light and sweeps everything away. Individuals and organizations must align themselves with the truth in all matters in order to build a foundation of lasting impact.

Lying and operating under false pretences is a far more serious problem than most people realise. “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy,” says Proverbs 12:22 (NIV). When you decide to stop telling lies and embrace the truth, you will make better, faster progress in your work. Consider how successful businesses conduct extensive research and analysis before making critical decisions. Their dedication to the truth is more than just a moral stance; it is also a strategic move. In the business world, truth is used to provide better services and products. Go figure.

The most powerful ministries, missions, and businesses stand out because they understand that the truth, while difficult to accept, is a catalyst for genuine success. Integrity has always been identified as a core value for any business or organization that wants to go global, regardless of religious creeds or affiliations. Do not work or settle under any mission or organization that is not concerned about the truth. You will remain small and, eventually, mediocre. Life is hard, watching the world is a difficult and complicated undertaking. Nevertheless, let us embrace the transformative power of truth, knowing that it’s the key to building a legacy that withstands the test of time.

In the pursuit of making a meaningful impact in your world, there’s an essential foundation you cannot afford to neglect. And that is a commitment to truth. There is synergy between our creativity, spiritual gifts, and an unwavering dedication to truth. The Bible underlines the paramount significance of truth, emphasizing God’s deep regard for it and the disapproval that shrouds falsehood in all its forms. A lying tongue and a false witness who breathes out lies both make a list of seven things that are an abomination to the Lord (Proverbs 6: 16 – 19).

It’s a universal truth that reality does not bow to your political or religious sentiments. Reality will not care about your feelings. The threads of lies, half-truths, and distorted political or religious perspectives offer no sustainable solutions to the challenges we encounter. When religious leaders and politicians offer false hope by lying and distorting the truth, they cause more problems. As an agent of change, you must never embrace the comfort of lies and falsehood. You can not create anything of value if you do not stick to the truth. Lies act as stifling agents, smothering the vibrancy of our creativity and the effectiveness of our spiritual gifts.

To walk in alignment with truth is to embark on a journey of authenticity, one that liberates our creativity and unlocks the full potential of our spiritual gifts. The commitment to truth is not just a moral imperative; it’s a pathway to genuine solutions and lasting impact. Let us navigate our world with the belt of truth buckled tightly around our waist (Ephesians 6: 14). Allowing its light to illuminate the shadows of deceit and guide us to a place where creativity and spiritual gifts flourish. In this commitment, you will discover the transformative power of truth, both in your individual lives and in your community.

In the timeless words, we’re urged to “love your neighbour as yourself”. Indeed, the definition of spiritual love is to will the good of the other from the other’s point of view. This call echoes a profound spiritual truth—love that goes beyond selfish interests, aiming for the genuine good of others. But the path of love is not without its puzzles, particularly when it comes to boundaries. How much love is too much? When does our well-intentioned love risk turning futile? These are not just questions; they’re a journey into understanding Christ’s command to love.

In the natural realm, the closest analogy to the spiritual, agape love we’re called to exhibit is parental love. Consider a mother caring for her child, even in the face of challenges. A sleepless night tending to a sick child, selflessly providing, and nurturing despite personal exhaustion. These actions mirror the sacrificial nature of agape love. Similarly, a father patiently guiding a child through the complexities of life, offering support, encouragement, and correction with unwavering commitment, reflects the divine love we’re encouraged to emulate. Parental love beautifully mirrors the selflessness and enduring nature of agape love.

Under normal circumstances, a parent would always choose what they perceive to be in the best interests of their children, often over their own self-interest. We should also learn to love others in this manner. You must learn to navigate this terrain, to grapple with finding the right balance—combining Christ’s selfless love with the practical wisdom required in our daily interactions. If you want to be picky, almost no one is worthy of your love. That is why it is a command rather than a suggestion. We are commanded to love one another as God first loved us.

Cristiano Ronaldo, known for his scoring prowess, demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship during an Asia Champions League match in November 2023. Despite being awarded a penalty during Al-Nassr’s match against Persepolis, Ronaldo urged the referee to reconsider. The incident occurred in the second minute when Ronaldo went down after a challenge. However, instead of capitalizing on the opportunity to score, he approached the referee, Ma Ning, arguing for the decision to be overturned. The referee, with the assistance of the video referee, changed his call. Ronaldo’s honesty and commitment to fair play became the turning point, saving Persepolis from a potentially unfavorable outcome.

This incident prompts reflection on the broader theme of integrity in our daily lives. In a world where people chase success at all costs and by any means, Ronaldo’s gesture reminds us that there’s a deeper victory in upholding honesty and fairness. As followers of Christ, integrity is a cornerstone of our faith. The Bible encourages us to do everything with honesty and integrity. Ronaldo’s actions echo this sentiment, demonstrating that our commitment to what is right should not waver, even in situations where personal gain is possible.

Proverbs 16:8 supports this, “Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.” When Christians abandon their core values of righteousness, mercy, justice, and fairness in order to maximize their profits in the marketplace of life, something is seriously wrong. This is comparable to salt losing its favor and saltiness; it becomes worthless and useless. A true Christian should be able to self-referee and self-regulate themselves due to their worship and devotion to God. As you navigate this world, understand that true victory lies not just in the goals we achieve, but in the character we exhibit.

Making your own money for the first time is an exciting experience. It is not uncommon for a young person to lose sleep because of the promise of a significant financial contribution or breakthrough in the morning. However, these feelings of excitement and boundless, momentary joy do not last. The initial thrill of starting a new job is quickly replaced by drudgery and boredom. You have to find a way to make your life and your work meaningful and relevant. The pathway to genuine happiness and fulfillment is when you find alignment with a purpose greater than yourself.

We do not feel fulfilled by the things we get. We can only get fulfillment from what we give. Giving is the cure for a lean soul, according to Proverbs 11:25. Never forget that you are an immaterial being at your core. Once you’ve met your basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. You begin to sense the emptiness and poverty within your soul. Your goals and plans will only have meaning if they are aligned with something bigger than yourself. A parent, for example, is willing to go to any length to provide for their child.

It is for this reason that one must cultivate the habit of self-reflection. You want to think about your daily life and figure out how it relates to something of eternal value. You want your job to serve a greater purpose than just paying the bills. Consider the roles and responsibilities you’re handling at this time in your life. What draws you to those tasks? Why is it now? Then you must consider how you will give your all to your tasks on a daily basis. When we are aligned with the purpose of God, our roles, ambitions, and plans find their truest meaning.

There is a growing movement embracing a different paradigm: purpose-driven entrepreneurship. The concept is simple but profound: start and run businesses that are in line with one’s spiritual mission. The community’s problems are turned into revenue streams. It’s not just about making money; it’s about making a difference. Purpose-driven entrepreneurship springs from the belief that business can be a force for good, a platform for expressing one’s values and faith. Doing business this way is in a sharp contrast to conventional business practices where profiteering, not impact might be the main goal.

Purpose-driven entrepreneurs are primarily concerned with addressing a societal issue that they have identified. They measure their impact not by how much money they have made, but by how much of a positive impact their ventures have on society. Consider the story of David Green, founder of Hobby Lobby. His commitment to integrating faith into business practices led to the establishment of a billion-dollar enterprise known for closing on Sundays, prioritizing employee well-being, and supporting various charitable causes. Chick-fil-A is another example. Rooted in Christian principles, this fast-food chain not only serves chicken sandwiches but also strives to make a positive impact on communities.

Building a business with a heart for the betterment of the world is a fantastic idea. Such businesses, if well run, are more sustainable than nonprofit organisations or ministries. Starting a business with a spiritual mission involves more than hanging a cross on the office wall. It is about identifying a mission worthy of people’s time, energy, and resources. Then, cultivating a workplace culture that reflects love, integrity, and a desire to serve others. What if your businesses weren’t just a means to financial success but also a channel for contributing to the greater good?

Each role you play at home, church, or work is more than a label; it is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution. This is your opportunity to contribute to God’s work, and you must take it seriously and perform well. The Bible instructs us to approach our tasks with the mindset that we are doing them for God (Colossians 3:17). We are actively serving God; we are his superstar agents, reflecting and enforcing His will wherever we go. If you approach your work with the intention of pleasing the Lord, you will easily pass human scrutiny.

You need to be sensitive to the roles you are currently playing. Your current roles reflects the times and seasons of your life. They serve as a clue to understanding your purpose. In one season of life, you are a son; in another, you are both a son and a father. You will eventually become a son, father, and grandfather. The idea is similar to Ecclesiastes 3:1, which says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Each role is a season, and understanding its significance leads to a more purposeful life.

Do not act like a hypocrite who is praying for their purpose while being careless with everything they are currently entrusted with. Why is it so difficult to see that doing the things you’re currently entrusted with well already fulfils your purpose? The roles God has assigned to you serve a greater purpose. The key is to commit to doing it well. This will transform you from a depraved sinner obsessed with self to a child of God radiating the love and light of heaven around you. So, list all of the roles you currently play at home, church, and work. Then make certain that you do it well.

There are so many challenges and obstacles that individuals or organizations may face when pursuing their missions. If you’re doing important work, be sure you’ll face opposition from people and other organizations. Even if you fly under the radar, you can bet that “life” will throw some obstacles in your path. Do not live in a fantasy land where everything is always pleasant and friendly. In real life, that almost never happens. You must weigh the costs and develop the faith and resilience required to complete your mission. Without these qualities in your spirit, you are more likely to fail.

According to Proverbs 24:10 (ESV), “if you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.” There aren’t enough challenges and roadblocks to derail someone who has enough spiritual stamina in relation to their mission. You keep going as long as you have strength within. You must develop spiritual stamina whether you are on a missionary journey like Apostle Paul or working on groundbreaking research like Gregor Mendel, the father of modern genetics. There are thousands of people who fail to carry out their plans for every Apostle Paul and Gregor Mendel. Adversity shattered their spirit.

When you commit to watching your world and serving as the salt and light of your community, you are inviting soul-crushing pressure and challenges. This is a fact of life; one cannot wish or pray it away. The Bible never promises a trouble-free existence on earth for God’s elect. It rains on both the just and the unjust. As a result, you must prepare yourself for the inevitable challenges, obstacles, and adversity. Embrace the spiritual discipline that will help you cope with the demands of daily life. You only faint in the face of adversity if your inner strength is small.

When people see our good works on earth, Jesus says they will praise and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). We can then see that our spirituality is a means to an end rather than an end in itself. Examiners, like teachers, do not count and reward hours of study; they only mark and grade the work that is submitted. In the same way, it doesn’t matter how many hours you spend in prayer and fasting. At the end of the day, it is your good works that count. Your productivity is all that matters.

Jesus had a reputation for doing good wherever he went. He was solving problems and adding value. He lived a deliberate and productive life. Highly successful learners brag about their excellent results rather than their long hours of study. Nobody cares how many hours you spent in prayer, study, and meditation to develop virtue and knowledge within. What is important is that there is a need in your generation, and the Lord can rely on you to meet that need. People are walking in spiritual and physical darkness. They are battling illiteracy, poverty and diseases. These problems are opportunities to show what you can do.

The gift of the Holy Spirit and spiritual expressions, including creativity were intended to equip us to do good. Your job is to do good by solving problems and adding value at a high level. As a result, you should set measurable objectives. Do not merely desire spiritual experiences such as exotic visions and hearing voices. Set meaningful goals that, if met, will have a clear, measurable impact on your community. No one heard about the transfiguration of Jesus until after his death (Matthew 17:9), because that was never the point. What problems in your world are you trying to solve by application of your spiritual experiences and gifts?

Father, I come before you with a grateful heart. I am grateful for the gift of life and the unique bouquet of relationships that have enriched my journey. Your wisdom surpasses all understanding, and I am grateful for the purposeful relationships you have prepared for my life. Lord, I pray that you guide me to meet the right people—those whose paths align with the purpose you have designed for my life. I will meet my divinely ordained teachers, mentors, coaches and peers. Illuminate the connections that are divinely orchestrated, and grant me discernment to recognize them.

O Lord, grant me the wisdom to navigate the intricate dance of relationships. Help me in understanding the unique qualities and perspectives that each individual brings to my life. May I be slow to judge and quick to forgive, modelling the grace you lavish on us. Please assist me in identifying the people in my life who are not good for me. Please give me the strength and courage I need to flush them out. Father, please get rid of my strange friends. May I be never found with the good-for-nothings and the mockers.

Father, I pray that the divine purpose for each connection be fulfilled. Whether for a season or a lifetime, let every relationship serve the higher purpose you have ordained. May I make a positive difference in the lives of those around me, and may they, in turn, be a blessing to me. I surrender my relationships to you, trusting that your divine hand is at work in orchestrating every encounter and maintaining every bond. May my interactions be infused with your wisdom, that I may be a source of encouragement, support, and kindness. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of purposeful relationships. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.