APPRECIATE SINCERITY
Some years ago, we were to host a leadership conference. Aside from myself, we had plans to host about seven other speakers (I am not sure I will do that again). About a week before the meeting, it became clear that it would be dishonourable to bring speakers without the required financial pool to take care of at least their logistics.
I sent an email to all our speakers. I told them all about the season we were in as a ministry and sincerely talked to them about our financial state. I then added that it would not hurt me in any way if any of them decided not to come. I also added that it would never redefine or affect the respect I had for each of them.
None of the speakers pulled back. They all came. We did what we could with what we had. They all said they were coming as friends of the work. I was indeed grateful. I was humbled by their love, and I still appreciate all of them to date.
Beloved, appreciate sincerity wherever you see it. Sincerity is way better than packaging. I have been to meetings where I have been poorly treated. I have met pastors who would say, “We would send you something sir” and they never did. I have met some who made other promises that they never kept. I know the pressure of performance, but I can tell you about the freedom of sincerity.
Sincerity frees you from pressure. Listen beloved, sincerity must flow from humility. I know it is sometimes really hard to tell the truth about your season, but it is a very important step. It grows your confidence. It helps your goodwill and strengthens your relationship with others.
If you are in ministry, make sure you are sincere and appreciate sincerity. Where sincerity is absent, corruption takes over.
2 Corinthians 2:17 KJV
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
You must serve the Lord with sincerity. God does not need you to package for Him. Do all things in the fear of the Lord.
Joshua 24:14a KJV
Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth…
Let good conscience, simplicity and sincerity guide you on the journey of life. Do not try to fake it till you make it. Give your best at every level you are.
2 Corinthians 1:12 KJV
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
Once sincerity is there, humility and truth are never far. Be sincere. People can smell hypocrisy from afar. Be simple. Be truthful. Be sincere.
temilOluwa Ola, Eruwa