We are investing several months reviewing the 4 core values of B4T – relationships, accountability, transparency and perfection. This month we continue the focus on the need for real accountability.
Joy! A B4T worker recently asked me to hold him accountable for the joy in his life. In discussing this with the Lord today, I am reminded that joy in life does not come from doing what we love to do. True joy comes from discovering what Jesus has created us for and fulfilling His creative assignment in our lives.
Jesus says to us, as He said to Peter, “Do you love Me?” Then, “Feed My sheep” (John 21:17).
With this question the Master is not inquiring what we would enjoy doing with our lives. He is asking for absolute loyalty to Him. He is inquiring where our allegiance lies. He asks so as to discern if our passions are centered in a relationship with Him or in other interests. If we have received an assignment from the King of Kings, we will understand that obedience is not in hearing His voice, but obedience comes in obeying – acting out His assignment. Our reason for existence is to be faithful to what He has revealed to us. This does not imply that He has multiple tasks and ministries lined up for us, but it means we must be sensitive to what The Spirit has told us to do, and this may sometimes require ignoring demands for service in other areas.
Oswald Chambers writes:
Joy comes from seeing the complete fulfillment of the specific purpose for which I was created and born again, not from successfully doing something of my own choosing. The joy our Lord experienced came from doing what the Father sent Him to do. And He says to us, “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” (John 20:21).
God has created each of us for a purpose – His purpose. True accountability begins with seeking and hearing God’s path for our lives and then obediently following that path. Joy and value go hand in hand. When we value something it gives us joy. When we find value in working with and for Jesus, there we discover His joy in our hearts. Knowing we have done what Jesus created us to do yields His joy, not in our heads or our emotions, rather it’s a deeper heart centered joy. To hear the One who loves us more than anyone else saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant” – does it get any better than that?
If you’ve discovered His joy in your life, stay true to that assignment. If you are still seeking His joy, surround yourself with people who know His path and learn from them. Be accountable to them – that you may enter into the joy of The Master.
PATRICK LAI and his family have worked in SE Asia for over 37 years. His experience in doing business with Jesus has brought him to understand the meaning of work and worship in the marketplace. He started 14 businesses in four countries, six of which are still operating. Patrick and his wife, May, mentor and coach businesspeople working where there are few or no Christians. Check out Patrick’s latest book, Workship, now available in paperback and e-book.