He That Watereth

What would you do if you received a message saying, “Everybody is looking for you?” You’re an influencer, and everyone is looking forward to your next social media post. You have thousands or tens of thousands of followers. You have been invited to speak in churches, business seminars, and various workshops. How do you deal with this demand for your attention? The disciples told Jesus in Mark 1:37 that everyone was looking for him, which was a good thing. However, Jesus did not appear to be interested. He chose to proceed to the next stop on his itinerary.

In Mark 1:35-38, we learn from Jesus the importance of maintaining a consistent prayer routine. And allowing God to shape your thoughts and actions. Jesus always drew large crowds, yet he never committed himself to the crowds or allowed their opinion to sway him. While it feels good to have everybody looking for you, you must learn from Jesus to never allow it to get into your head. Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to the crowds because he knew their hearts and true motives (John 2: 23 – 25).

Pandering to everyone will not get you anywhere. Never lose your devotion to and communion with the Almighty God. You are fine as long as you maintain a relationship with God. You will lose if you try to maintain a stand with the people at all costs. As you attempt to lead and blaze a new trail of love and faith, you will attract the crowds. If you lack the wisdom to deal with the people, you can be easily diverted from your mission. At the end of the day, it is your commitment to God and your mission that counts. The crowds will lead you astray.

Stewardship is at the heart of our Christian calling. It is the first task God assigned to the human race in Genesis 1:28. God then told Adam and Eve to “have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and every living thing that moves on the earth” (NKJV). Stewardship is the recognition that everything you have was given to you by God. And you must manage it while remaining accountable to your source. This is a spiritual principle you must understand in your quest to serve as the salt and light of your world.

Some of the world’s wealthiest people understand this principle. After Alibaba founder Jack Ma became the richest man in China after the company went public for a record $25 billion in September 2014, he made an interesting comment about his newfound wealth. “If you have less than $1 million, you know how to spend the money,” he once said. “At $1 billion, that’s not your money. The money I have today is a responsibility. It’s the trust of people on me.” Ma stated that he feels compelled to spend his money “on behalf of the society.” This mindset drives the philanthropy of the wealthiest families on the planet.

Biblical Stewardship is the understanding that your time, talents, relationships, and possessions all belong to God. In the words of Dr. Otto Octavius (Spider-Man 2), “Intelligence is not a privilege, it’s a gift. And you use it for the good of mankind.” Stewardship boils down to this, “I will not use my time, talents or money in a way I cannot defend before God”. The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) reminds us of the importance of using our resources diligently. Our initiatives must not just be about personal gain but should reflect our commitment to improving the lives of others and contributing to the well-being of society.

Every morning, Benjamin Franklin posed a question to himself: “What good shall I do this day?” And in the evening, he asked, “What good have I done today?” Benjamin Franklin, inventor of the lighting rod and the odometer (to name just two of his creations), was also a scientist, statesman and these days, you’ll find his face on the United States one-hundred-dollar bill ($100). Benjamin Franklin’s daily reflection stands out like a beacon of wisdom. His secret to such immense productivity lay in a simple daily practice. Benjamin Franklin’s daily questions remind us that we, too, can make our days more meaningful.

This practice is reminiscent of Acts 10:38, “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” Jesus had a reputation for consistently performing acts of goodness. As devoted followers of Jesus, we should seek to shine through the good we do in the world. Imagine if each day began with the intention to make the world a slightly better place. By reflecting on the good you can do and measuring your actions against it, you contribute positively to your world.

So, as you go about your daily life, remember Benjamin Franklin’s legacy and the profound biblical principle: it’s not enough to claim devotion to God, but our lives should radiate with the good deeds we do. Practicing daily reflection on the good you can accomplish is a testament to the love and light shining within. Just as Benjamin Franklin’s questions guided him to greatness, they can illuminate our own paths to a life of purpose, service, and devotion to God. Reflect on these questions each day, and you’ll find your actions becoming more aligned with your faith, resulting in a world made better by your consistent goodness.

One year later, Elon Musk’s purchase of Twitter remains a contentious issue. Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, while controversial, has brought to light a powerful lesson for creative business-minded Christians. We all can reflect upon Elon Musk’s ability to achieve more with less. This is a principle that should resonate with us all. As you watch over your world, it’s crucial to recognize the concepts of stewardship and accountability. We’re not just answerable to human directors and shareholders; our ultimate accountability is to the Almighty God. You need to adopt a stewardship mindset in your mission.

Elon Musk’s “Cloud Exit” strategy at X (the new name for Twitter) is a model of good stewardship. They reduced their monthly cloud costs by 60% by optimising their use of cloud service providers and shifting work on-premises. The impact is significant, and it serves as a reminder that we, too, can have an impact in our spheres of influence. There are often areas in our businesses, ministries, or daily lives where we can cut costs and be better stewards of the resources entrusted to us. Consider the areas of your life or work where waste is prevalent. Is it possible to reduce, reuse, or optimise?

In Elon Musk’s case, the optimisation strategy resulted in not only significant cost savings, but also a more efficient team. Twitter once had 8,000 employees, and X is said to have fewer than 2,000. And, despite predictions that the site would crash soon after his personnel changes, X has been able to accelerate the pace of experimentation while also introducing new features. This is a testament to stewardship, not just business efficiency. A mind that recognises the importance of optimising work. No room for wastage. God will be honoured by your responsible stewardship.

In Mark 11:23, we learn that anything is possible when we have unwavering faith, free of doubt. This profound truth forms the foundation of our journey. As we work diligently in our various callings, we understand the importance of faith and patience. Just as faith drives us to pursue our goals with confidence, it’s also the patient endurance of faith that sustains us during the waiting. As you embark on your mission, whether in nonprofit ministries or the business world, you must realize that faith and resilience are the keys to unlocking breakthrough. This is the resilience you need to change your world.

Resilience is the underpinning of long-term impact. The pursuit of watching the world change is a journey without shortcuts. Reflect upon the lives of world-changing leaders, regardless of their domain, and you’ll discern the thread of resilience that powered their course. Consider the unwavering dedication of Mother Teresa, who tirelessly served the impoverished in Calcutta’s slums. In a world filled with despair, her acts of love and service radiated light. Even the smallest deeds of kindness in this broken world hold the power to create far-reaching ripples of change.

Embrace the significance of showing up day after day and confronting those towering obstacles. Cultivate the resilience needed to make a positive impact on your world. Stay rooted in prayer to draw strength and grace from God. Regular communion with the Divine strengthens your spirit and reminds you of your mission’s profound meaning. Regardless of how humble your beginnings may seem, never underestimate the potential for your faith-fueled actions, supported by unwavering resilience, to lead to the breakthroughs you desire. Nurture the flame of faith and the spirit of resilience in partnership, and therein you’ll unearth your genuine potential.

Living out our faith and mission in a world corrupted by lust, greed, and other evil desires can often feel like an uphill battle. The challenges can be disheartening, and it may appear that our efforts are futile at times. However, it is precisely in such a world that our faith and service are most visible. You must gain confidence in order to navigate this broken world with love and resilience. It is not an easy task to serve as the salt and light of your world. You must have love in your heart and resilient faith in your spirit.

John 16:33 (ESV) says, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Our world is broken, from financial scandals to political corruption, environmental degradation to social injustice. It’s easy to become overwhelmed, but Jesus reminds us that He has triumphed over the world. Our faith calls us to love in the face of hatred and to serve in the face of corruption. We have victory because our Lord Jesus has already defeated all greed, and corruption in the world. That is your assurance as you watch your world.

We stand firm, determined to confront everything that threatens our world—be it illiteracy, poverty, addiction, teenage pregnancy, or any other problem. It’s not the world’s readiness for transformation that fuels us, but our unwavering commitment to making a difference. The raving fires may rage, but they cannot extinguish our spirit to serve and create a better world. As you press on, you find that your persistence and unwavering service can inspire change even in the most unlikely of places. No matter the challenges, you must carry on with the work. The world needs your labour of faith and love to light the way even in the darkest of times.

For the sixth year in a row, Finland is ranked as the world’s happiest country, according to the World Happiness Report. What’s the secret behind Finland’s enduring happiness? While the answer isn’t simple, it’s strongly connected to a remarkable concept deeply ingrained in the Finnish culture: Sisu. Sisu, a fascinating concept from Finland, encompasses qualities like stoic determination, tenacity of purpose, grit, bravery, resilience, and hardiness. It’s the “spirit of resilience” that propels people through life’s challenges. This Finnish concept of sisu mirrors several tenets we find in our Christian faith.

In the Bible, we read stories of individuals who exemplified this spirit of resilience. Take Job, for instance. He faced unimaginable losses and suffering, yet he did not waver in his faith. His resilience in the face of adversity allowed him to say, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15, KJV). Resilience is not the absence of trials; it’s the strength to endure them. Just as Job remained steadfast, we too can draw on our faith to face life’s challenges. When the storms of life threaten to overwhelm us, it’s our faith in God’s enduring love that empowers us to press on.

Our creative and spiritual gifts will never be fully realized unless we can complement them with resilience. If you want to do meaningful work, you’ll need the grit to persevere in the face of adversity and seemingly insurmountable odds. By doing a few things, you can adopt this 500-year-old sisu mindset. First, you must identify a purpose outside of yourself. Then, through training and taking time to connect with nature, you can boost your resilience. There is an unwavering faith and resilience found in our Christian walk. It is critical for making a difference.

There’s a saying: “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.” This adage reminds us that the people closest to us have a profound influence on our lives. Your day-to-day life reflects the best and the worst of the closest people to you. We are fundamentally inspired and influenced by the company we keep. Reflect on the individuals who surround you. Are they challenging you towards your highest potential? If not, it might be time to consider whether a change in your inner circle is needed. Your relationships aren’t just bonds; they’re roadmaps to the future you want to embrace.

If you want to imagine your future, get a piece of paper and write down the 5 to 7 people who are closest to you. If you’re married, write down your spouse. If you have children, regardless of their number, give them a single space by writing “children”. Complete the remaining spaces. When you’re finished, realize that you’re looking into your future. Are you satisfied with the potential on paper? Do you want to change a name on that list? It is time to stop allowing friendships and relationships to blossom randomly. Relationships are too important to leave to chance.

The Bible encourages us to pray about anything and everything. Through prayer, we can mould and shape the quality and quantity of friends in our lives. You can raise your voice to the heavens and ask for friends, mentors, and teachers who will push you to reach your full potential. Friendships and relationships are far too important to be taken lightly. In Psalm 1:1, the psalmist praises the man who avoids the wicked’s counsel, the path of sinners, and the seat of scoffers. This wisdom tells us to surround ourselves with people who inspire us to grow, who lift our spirits, and who lead us down the right path.

In a surprising quest for character development, heavyweight boxing superstar Anthony Joshua recently embarked on an extraordinary journey of solitude. For four days, he confined himself to a pitch-black room in a “darkness retreat,” located in Southern Oregon, USA. The retreat cost Joshua £2,000, offering an unparalleled experience of introspection. Stripped of modern distractions, he disconnected from the world – no phone, TV, radio, or even audiobooks. His only connection to the outside world was the food slid under his door. The purpose of this venture was clear: to challenge his limits, to delve into the depths of his character.

In the heart of the darkness retreat, the echoes of a timeless story resonate – the story of Jesus’ wilderness retreat. For forty days and nights, Jesus grappled with solitude and temptation, overcoming the allure of worldly comforts for spiritual enlightenment (Matthew 4:1-11). In a different time and place, but still a journey of self-discovery and introspection. Similarly, the prophet Elijah, in a moment of vulnerability and isolation, found himself on Mount Horeb, where he experienced the presence of God amidst a storm, an earthquake, and a fire. Yet, it was in the gentle whisper of the Lord that he found solace and clarity (1 Kings 19:1-18).

These experiences echoes the sentiment that real character development often happens in the still, small moments of reflection. Both these biblical accounts resonate with Joshua’s unique approach to character building. They all emphasize the power of solitude, introspection, and challenging the limits of one’s character. You emerge stronger anytime you confront yourself, and become better equipped to face life’s challenges. Would you ever consider being alone with your thoughts for four days like Anthony Joshua? What about 40 days like our Lord Jesus? Joshua’s unorthodox path to character development sheds light on the profound lengths individuals are willing to go in the pursuit of self-improvement and spiritual growth.

In your own journey, you might encounter walls that seem unscalable or seas that appear unpassable. It’s in these moments that you must tap into the divine partnership available to you. When you work hand in hand with God, your potential becomes limitless. Faith propels you to conquer the mountains before you and extinguish the fires in your path. However operating by faith requires patience, consistency and the willingness to be misunderstood by unspiritual critics. A person of faith will do things that do not make sense in the moment, but the wisdom and profit will become clear over time.

Assume you are the military commander of Jericho and have received information that your adversary, the Israelites, are marching around your city. You would be perplexed, confused, and unsure what the strategy was all about. The Israelite army saw themselves as obeying God, even if it made them appear foolish. The results after the seventh day were astounding. The walls of Jericho collapsed and Joshua achieved a stunning military victory by employing an unconventional strategy. Before you can begin to record the kinds of success your soul craves, you must be willing to do things that appear unreasonable for a long time.

So leave the realm of reason and enter the limitless realm of faith, where God’s extraordinary possibilities await you. According to Rev Olusola Areogun, the word of God is not meant to make sense; rather, it is meant to build faith. You’re more likely to miss your mark if you’re always looking for a move that will win everyone’s approval. The masses will not understand what you are spending so much time and effort on. But you’ll need a small circle of wise, godly people to help you confirm that you’re on the right track. Be patient, consistent, and willing to be misunderstood as you begin to move those mountains.