Not About the Numbers2 min read
A while back, I was asked to preach at a fellowship. The big deal was when I gave the altar call.
The number of people that came out in that one service was more than the combined total number of people that had ever made a decision for Jesus anywhere else I had preached.
But I was not where I should be with God.
No, I hadn’t committed any public-shaming sin. But the distance between God and I was wide enough for you to run a couple of Olympic size track events on it.
I didn’t see the harvest of souls because of who I was or what I had done but despite this.
I ate humble pie, waited for everyone to leave, got face down with God, and found my way back to Him.
Learned my lesson – I get stuff from God or see some measure of progress in life not because of what I do. I get them despite what I have done.
I get them because of God’s grace and mercy.
When I led the largest fellowship during my undergraduate, the ushers were not required to take attendance.
No need to count numbers and see them as a result of our efforts. They came despite what we did.
Our success to God will not be measured by numbers but faithfulness to what He has called us into.
At an NGO, I served a while back, someone, while trying to encourage more people to serve alluded to the blessings she could see in my life. Her conclusion – Tola got the goodies because he served so y’all better hustle and serve. Cos da goodies are on the way.
I was quick to respond. “Tola didn’t get the goodies. He got a bad turn for serving. The goodies are not the reward of my service. They are from a good Father who gives good gifts.”
I remind myself to measure myself by what God wants me to live by.
I like the goodies and results.
But they are not the true measure of my faithfulness to God.
Only having more of God is the true measure of my faithfulness to God.
Yes, God rewards. But He decides how He rewards.
He can choose to give some here or keep them all till we get to the other side of heaven.
On this side of heaven – it is not about the numbers.
