About this episode

This episode explores the concept of living 'function before title' in a culture focused on visibility and influence, emphasizing character and faithfulness over platform.

In this episode, we unpack what it means to live "function before title" in a culture obsessed with platforms, visibility, and influence. Starting from Luke 16:10, we look at Jesus' insistence that faithfulness in little things always comes before greater responsibility—and how, in the kingdom, God forms our character long before He hands us a microphone or a ministry. Using real stories and biblical examples, we explore why God often asks us to "narrow our lives" so He can "widen our influence." You'll hear how David's hidden battles with the lion and the bear qualified him for Goliath, why Eliab looked ready but wasn't chosen, and how Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego set themselves apart at the feast long before the fire. We also walk through Jesus in John 13—how, when He knew the Father had given Him authority over everything, His first move was not to preach a bigger sermon but to pick up a towel and wash feet. This message also speaks practically into calling, boundaries, and integrity: why personal limits aren't legalism but love, why God cares more about how you treat your spouse, kids, and church family than how big your platform is, and why the most important…

People in this episode

Host: Dustin Smith

Topics covered

• function before title
• faithfulness
• character formation
• personal limits
• integrity
• calling
• service

Keywords

• function before title
• faithfulness
• character
• integrity
• service
• calling
• personal limits

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Luke 16:10, John 13

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