Pursuit of Commendation (Part 2)

Scripture — Hebrews 11:1-3 (NRSV)

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

Devotion

In the last devotion we were reminded that disciples who are leaders remember that all of creation and the desire to cultivate is God’s.  We are not without a desire to know that we are on the right track. We desire some acknowledgement or award. The term “milestone” originated as meaning a thousand paces and evolved to mean a major event or accomplishment. Castings, badges, and statues are part of African culture. Trophies and crowns are part of Roman culture. Today, we have added banquets and standardized the rhythm.

Those pauses for accolades are not necessarily wrong or bad. But we are fallen and forgetful. And when leading becomes toilsome, it is very easy to become disillusioned and settle for less—looking for forms of escape, or something to anesthetize the reality that a broken-world metric supersedes the ones we create. There is a commendation for good leadership, but it just isn’t here.

The good news is that the Gospel reminds us that the right-side-up kingdom tells us a better-living story that compels us to do things differently. We remember Jesus walked into a chaotic world and a catastrophic, humiliating way to die because he knew he could do something with it. He knows brief moments of commendation may come, but they are fleeting because he knows what is in humanity; it will initially be a thankless effort (John 2:25). He chooses to lead well in difficulty and suffering now because there will be glory later (Rom. 8:18, 28, 31). And he does it because God gives a better commendation. One that is eternal, and everyone will have to agree with it (Phil. 2:11).

We are following the great leader and forerunner of our faith, who gave us hope (Heb. 6:19-20). True trust will involve committed action. What does this mean for the disciple in leadership? We toil and strain to cultivate and make from the right ingredients. I am trying to make something from creation that isn’t mine and only exists because of what I don’t see. And the only reason I cultivate or have a chance of cultivating well is that I trust the one who put the image-bearing in me to do it. And there is a great reward for that type of leader.

The writer of Hebrews opens in these verses the long story of some of humanity who chose to trust God. They chose to embrace the house rules and not set their own—to lead in their little area without reward, and quite often they never got to see what was promised (11:13). Pressing forward with their faithful efforts, they were certain that it would make a sound. And Hebrews 11:1 tells us that their commendation was from God. The observer that you are most concerned with is the one you trust. Creation may not see your efforts, but God, who created creation, does. And he sees it; he sees it forever.

Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the unique website of our partners, the Theology of Work Project. Reflection on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: Realizing the Faith (Hebrews 10:19–11:40).