As one called to preach and write about Christ, God often challenges my motives.  Why do I do what I do?  Am I still functioning out of His life and calling?  Have I slipped into letting ambition drive me?  Do my own efforts sustain what I do or am I energized by Christ’s energy? (Col. 1:29).  Am I building God’s kingdom or my own little empire? (Dan. 4:30).

Paul’s comments to the Corinthians resonate with me: “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!  For if I do this willingly, I have a reward, but if unwillingly, I am entrusted with a stewardship” (1 Cor. 9:16-17).  Most bloggers know you can’t blog about God’s word for a reward.  Readership is often small.  Some bloggers I follow are attacked as often as they are complimented.  Either way, if you preach for views and likes you’ll be disappointed.  Twenty to thirty views is a strong day on The Voice of One.  Most blogs I visit have more likes on a single post than I have views for the whole day!

Please don’t misunderstand.  I’m not complaining.  I’m saying, “I get it.”  Besides, God has chosen to keep me small and to limit my influence.  I’m OK with that.  In years past, I struggled mightily with discouragement because of this.  But the Lord has brought me to a place where I am rarely discouraged by my lack of reach.  The Lord gives and takes away, and I’m thankful (Job 1:21).

In any case, we  are rarely satisfied with any amount of accolades.  I’ve talked with bloggers who have hundreds (in one case, thousands) of views a day and are still discouraged.  Sometimes, enough is never enough.

So I want to encourage all of you out there that blog or whatever you do. Regardless of audience size, God is doing important, eternal work in you and through you!  Often (usually?) the work in you is even more important than the work through you.  Let His life be the source of your ministry.  Let Him fulfill the calling He has placed on you.

So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up (Gal. 6:9).

For God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you showed for His name when you served the saints–and you continue to serve them (Heb. 6:10).