So then, do not judge anything before the time. Wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the motives of hearts. Then each will receive recognition from God. (1 Corinthians 4:5)
I am not bound to win
But I am bound to be true.
I am not bound to succeed,
But I am bound to live up to what light I have.
Abraham Lincoln
In 1888, Canadian born Dr. William Leslie began a career as medical missionary that would last thirty-five years. His last assignment was in the jungles of Africa’s Congo. After many years of fruitless ministry among the cannibals, he had a fallout with a tribal chief and was told to never return. Discouraged, Dr. Leslie retired in 1928 believing his ministry had failed. He passed into heaven ten years later.
Jesus of Nazareth was the most inspired speaker of his, or of any, era. The masses responded to his compassion for their abused hearts. Many times he demonstrated the power necessary to overcome his enemies whether they be Roman or Jewish. Then, on a dark Friday, Jesus the Son of God was captured, beaten and crucified. His followers defected and the greatest potential ever known to mankind was squandered like so much flotsam.
These two lives share something in common. By the world’s standards they both died abject failures, but God views success differently.
In heaven, success is defined as faithfulness to God. William Leslie and Jesus Christ were faithful until their departures and so it was impossible for them to fail. On the other side of death the glory of their failure became evident.
In 2010, eighty-two years after Dr. Leslie left the Congo, another missionary expedition flew into the same jungle. They discovered the seeds the good doctor planted had taken root in the form of eight village churches spread over thirty miles.
We also know the outcome of the tragic death of Jesus Christ—how he was celebrated by angels as the greatest victor in history. We know it was impossible for him to fail, as it was impossible for Dr. Leslie to fail, and, even though everything we touch crumbles, it’s impossible for any of us to fail who obey Almighty God.
Earthly failure is most often the soil in which heavenly success grows.
Prayer: Gracious Father, let me fail gloriously for you.