The older I get the greater the value I put on faithfulness. Interestingly God doesn't call us to be successful, but rather highlights the attributes of being faithful.
It's relatively easy to be great and even 'successful" for a short amount of time; as in to be disciplined, consistent, succeed in reaching your goals, be seen to be a pleasant person, and do and say the “right” things.
However, you soon realise it’s not only about how you start your race, but about who you are throughout the whole journey and whether you'll finish well that has real significance in life and in your walk with Jesus.
The dictionary definition of a faithful person is that they are, “loyal,” “steadfast in affection or allegiance,” and “true to one’s word.” A faithful person is someone who keeps their promises and fulfills their duties.
The success stories that social media, awards, and the numerous other accolades people and organisations receive don't usually highlight faithfulness. But I think it's what we are all looking for. That we and others around us remain faithful in our relationships, studies, work, health, behaviour, speech, character traits, family life, and overall message.
It's not that we are going to be perfect all the time. We all can make a mess of things. But asl yourself, are you desiring to grow in faithfulness? Who are your heroes and inspirations? Are they just popular and successful, or do they exhibit faithfulness and consistency, not only for months or years but for decades? Faithfulness that remains like that is what creates a lasting impact and leaves a real legacy!
God notices faithfulness and promises to reward those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6).
He says, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.” (Luke 16:10)
Build faithfulness by continuing to master the basics
It’s important to have goals and a vision for your life; these things are important to live the best life God has for you. But it’s also a very good idea to keep the fundamentals and what you value in life as part of your everyday practice too.
To remain faithful in the small things such as putting appropriate value and thought into your relationships, finances, health, goals, and dreams, spending time with Jesus every day, reading His word, following his guidance, and meeting together with others who know Him. Otherwise, you can easily find yourself in a few years wondering what has happened to your relationships, health, spiritual walk, and the dreams that were once in your heart and wake one day be surprised at the path your life has taken.
“A little thing is a little thing, but faithfulness in the little things is a great thing” (Hudson Taylor)
The good news in your faithfulness journey is that when God draws your attention to something in your life that perhaps you aren’t as faithful in as you could be, is that He won't leave you feeling like a failure. If you ask for His help, He’ll give it. If you spend time with Him and read His Word, you'll be empowered and encouraged to become more like Him; faithful, dependable, and consistent. (Hebrews 4:16)
Faithfulness is a fruit - you don't have to struggle to make it appear. It grows in us when we make those daily choices to allow God to work in us, as we seek Him and his way of doing things.
Faithfulness is one of the fruits of inviting God to work in and through our lives. It’s the result of looking after what is important and allowing the “fruit” of those decisions to manifest in your life.
”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1)
For more encouragement, you can also listen to my podcast "Going Deeper". Check out this week's episode "Clean The Lens" live now
Prayer: Lord, please help me to draw near to you each day so that who you are, and your faithfulness will increase and become evident in and through my life. Let faithfulness have its work in me. In Jesus' name Amen.
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