I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labour. John 4:38
It is quite humbling to realise that some, if not most, of the amazing success, results and recognition we receive have NOTHING to do with our original efforts. Rather, they are largely the outcome of others’ and our predecessors’ hard labour.
This reminds me of an experience I had years ago when I was invited to minister at a mega church in my homeland. As the Senior Pastor introduced me, I was quite shocked (pleasantly) when he said, “Our guest speaker today, whom I’ve known and appreciated for many years, is a son of one of our most revered pioneers of the Church here in Zimbabwe…” The host Pastor hardly said anything about my own little profile, but went lyrical about my late Dad-our unsung hero!
Far from annoying me, my host’s heartfelt eulogy evoked a deeper sense of gratitude mixed with humility within me than I had ever experienced. It dawned on me that I owed much of the recognition I had been receiving within the Church to my godly parents. I am deeply grateful for the sacrifices they made for the kingdom of God. I appreciate the foundations laid by our predecessors. I’m forever thankful for the selfless labour of love our pioneers expended in their generation. I humbly admit that much of the fruit we are harvesting today is the outcome of others’ sweat and blood.
Dear friend, I beseech you by the mercies of God to take stock of the various types of harvests you’re reaping today on account of others’ sterling work. Consider the invaluable knowledge and experience your mentors’ have banked for you in advance. Appreciate the effective structures and systems you have inherited. Praise God for the prayers others have made for you in secret. Acknowledge the Gospel-seeds sown in the hearts of many unsaved folks by known and unknown servants of Christ. We are all standing on the shoulders of giants.
Pastor Josh