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Faithfulness: Heaven's Measure of Greatness
- Pastor Daniel Krebs
- Jul 27
- 3 min read
Happy Monday to our CFC Family;
This past weekend, the Christian community mourned the passing of Canadian worship leader and songwriter Brian Doerksen. For more than three decades, Brian's music helped shape the worship of churches around the world. Songs such as Come, Now Is the Time to Worship, Refiner's Fire, Hope of the Nations, Faithful One, and Today (As for Me and My House) have led millions of believers into God's presence. His songs have been translated into numerous languages and sung in countless churches across denominations and cultures.
Yet Brian's greatest testimony was not simply the songs he wrote but the life he lived. Truth is Brian and his wife lovingly cared for children with significant disabilities, including welcoming children with special needs into their family through adoption and foster care. Their home reflected the heart of Christ, a place where the vulnerable were loved, valued, and embraced. Brian's worship wasn’t confined to a stage; it was lived out daily through sacrificial love, humility, and faithful service!
That the life he lived reminds us that true worship is not only expressed by what is seen by others, but in the way we love those God entrusts to our care.
More closer to home, this past Saturday afternoon, our own church family loss one of our own; Mary Toews. While someone like Brian Doerksen was known internationally, Mary's influence was much quieter. She never stood before thousands with a microphone, yet as I came to know Mary and I listened to her family members speak about her life, another picture of greatness emerged. Describing her an amazing mother and grandmother whose love, faithfulness, and devotion shaped the lives of those closest to her. LIke Brian, much of what made Mary so special wasn’t the things that happened in the public, but rather it was what happened behind closed doors, in the ordinary moments of family life that few people ever saw. Because it was those quiet acts of love have left a lasting legacy.
The truth is, God's kingdom measures significance very differently than our world does. Where we naturally celebrate accomplishments that are visible, admiring those whose gifts are recognized publicly, scripture consistently reminds us that God is not primarily looking for prominence but for faithfulness.
In the parable of the talents, Jesus does not say, "Well done, successful servant," or "Well done, influential servant." Instead, He says, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21)
Faithfulness…not fame, is heaven's measuring rod!
The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12:27 that every believer has been given a unique calling. "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” Some are called to lead worship, preach, teach, or serve in visible ways. Others faithfully raise children, care for aging parents, encourage a neighbour, quietly intercede in prayer, serve behind the scenes, or demonstrate Christ's love through everyday acts of kindness. Every role matters because every calling comes from God.
Paul also writes in 1 Corinthians 7:17 in the ESV; "Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.” I love how this bible version puts it. That our responsibility is not to compare our assignment with someone else's but to faithfully live out the one God has entrusted to US!
Hebrews 6:10 reminds us of something deeply encouraging: "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him"
Nothing done for Christ is overlooked. Every unseen sacrifice, every faithful prayer, every quiet act of compassion, every investment in a child or grandchild is remembered by the Lord.
As we remember Brian Doerksen, we thank God for a life that blessed the global Church through music that continues to lead people in worship and for a family that demonstrated Christ's compassion in practical, sacrificial ways. As we remember Mary Toews, we thank God for a life that reflected Christ through faithful love within her family and church. Their ministries looked very different, but both pointed people toward Jesus.
One life reminds us that God can use our gifts to reach the nations. The other reminds us that changing a family, nurturing grandchildren, and faithfully loving those God places in our lives is no less significant in His eyes. Both lives fulfilled the calling God had given them.
May their lives encourage each of us to embrace the calling God has placed before us. Whether our influence reaches thousands or only a handful of people, our desire should be the same—to glorify Christ, to serve faithfully, and one day hear our Saviour say, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21).
Have a great week and we’ll see you Sunday;
Pastor Dan
(For an encouraging video of Brian Doerkson’s song, “Come, now is the time to worship,” click on the link below)
