Faithfulness — It’s More Than Sexual!
“He is a blessed man if when the master shows up he’s doing his job” Luke 12: 36-40, The Message.
Have you been wavering recently about being faithful to a commitment you’ve made? I have!
Even though we tend to link the concept of faithfulness to sex and marriage, it has a far broader application to your life and mine. It’s a character quality God wants in us. But after listening to a recent sermon on the passage above, I’ve found it can be something we forget about.
Yes: We’re called to sexual faithfulness. Whatever our culture advocates through movies, magazines, and social media, God calls us to overcome temptation, to walk in the light, and to love Him, not the world.
Yes: We’re called to Biblical faithfulness which requires belief in what the Bible says about God—and how we’re to live. “Anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him” Hebrews 11:6, The Message.
Yes: We’re called to faithfulness as parents, and family members. To love even the unlovable.
Yes: We’re called to faithfulness as part of a Christian community.To bear with and build up.
Yes: We’re called to faithfully fulfill our calling, whatever it is, however boring, frustrating or demanding it can be, until the Master either shows up or releases us from His call.
Faithfulness is an expression of a Spirit-filled, God-first life.
Realizing that I hadn’t considered the importance of faithfulness when weighing some major changes in serving the Lord, I had to ask myself some questions. Maybe they’ll help you:
What decision am I struggling with? Am I being driven by various emotions? Assumptions I haven’t examined? Self-talk that fuels hopelessness and helplessness?
Am I reacting to weariness—physical, mental, spiritual, relational?
Am I dried up and feeling far from God? Would I make this decision if I was inwardly flourishing?
Am I realizing major decisions are crossroads that can affect me and others, both in the immediate and long-term?
A Dictionary definition describes faithfulness as being: Loyal, constant, staunch, steadfast, resolute, firm in adherence to whatever one owes or has committed themselves to.Being faithful implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing, or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted. Because we’re all human, we need prayer to stay faithful!
May I pray for you?
Heavenly Father, You know we are but dust. Despite our sincere longings to be your faithful servants, we sometimes grow weary or frustrated and want to release ourselves from your assignment. Infuse us with your power, Holy Spirit. Alert us to the schemes of the Devil who celebrates every defection of the heart and actions that dishonor your Name. Work in us a renewed desire and delight in being faithful followers of Jesus, until He comes. Amen.
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