9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
It can be easy to get discouraged when it seems that you are the only one trying to do what is right. Doing right these days is a lonely business. And often it is like being the target at a rifle range; everyone one seems to be aiming in your direction. So it is much easier in the short-run to stop doing the right and avoid the attention. But that is only a short-term, short-sighted solution. The position of an active Jesus-follower is out front, in the spotlight, often standing alone. Just as Jesus acted independently of the voices of temporary influence, so we too are called to tune in to the eternal Voice and follow. What I have found over these last thirty years is that there are others who are living Godly in Christ, that I am not alone up here. The reason is that those who live as they should live are not having to spend time trumpeting their position to others. In fact those who are announcing their position of leadership are often those who are not actually leading from the front. I think there is a direct correlation between true leadership and the lack of announcing of that leadership. The more announcement, the less leadership. Isn’t that what Jesus said when He said those who want to be first must be the servant of all! Leaders never need to announce their leadership, they just lead. Leading is more important than announcing that you are leading. If you are truly living as Jesus call you to live, then you will be out front and there is no need to tell others about it. They will see it plainly and be drawn to follow, if their hearts are open to the moving of the Spirit. I cannot judge the motives of others. I don’t know why some promote their ministries. Perhaps they are being obedient to the prompting of the Spirit. I really don’t understand why they would name their ministry after themselves. That would really make it difficult to get people to focus on Jesus with their own name being central. I am only responsible for my actions, my motives, my promotion of Jesus rather than the promotion of myself. You are likewise only responsible for you. How are you doing in this struggle to stay afloat in this sea of weariness?
The Arnold Journey 