I really believe that it is not the man who has a perfect track record of ministry who will rejoice most profoundly at the sound of these words, but that it is the one who has had his fair share of failures as well. The man whose heart will truly leap with abounding joy when his Master approves of his work in ministry is the one who has faced humiliation and tests and failures and rock bottoms, and who knows that even his best service to God is good stewardship-- maybe a love offering at best.
And the awesome thing is that the Master's commendation does not waver or mitigate with the outcome! One servant yielded five talents of profit, the other two. Both are commended the same, because both gave everything they were given into service. It is unreserved devotion that will be recognized by God; indeed, God is the only one who can see and judge the heart for such commitment. Success in ministry-- whatever that means-- is a circumstantial byproduct that may vary. What must remain set apart to God is the heart.
Oh to hear those words on that day! To know that God sees clearly all of the times I've failed both outwardly and inwardly but saw through to a heart with which He is pleased. I hope and pray that God will shape and mold me so that that very heart will be found in me. For that God looks for something deeper is at once slightly relieving and deeply sobering; it means that I am held responsible for my heart-- something that is in my control (unlike, say, success in ministry) but is wicked above all things and all knowledge. It is my wellspring of life... have I guarded it?
If I need grace for one thing (besides salvation), it is this: to keep my heart and devotion set apart-- holy-- for God.
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