“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” MATTHEW 25:21 (NKJV)
One of the most important traits Christ sought to develop in His followers was the characteristic of faithfulness. This is the quality that is the most rewarded by God, and the source of our unending joy. Whether you are a SAINT, SERVANT, Shepherd or SON, faithful is a character trait you must possess.
The word “faithful” actually means to be “dependable” or “trustworthy.” Did you notice the three things that result from faithfulness in our lives in the scripture listed above?
1. COMMENDATION or affirmation- “…Well done…” he who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much.
2. COMMITMENT leads to promotion “…ruler over many things…” You might be thinking of Joseph who went from the Pit to the Palace. Ruth went from working the field to owning the field.
3. CHEERFULNESS which develops into joy. “Enter into the joy of your lord” birthed after her own kind. The joy of the Lord becomes your strength. Doing it with the right attitude.
So, what exactly is this essential quality in a Joseph’s, Ruth’s or (add your name)___________life? God’s way of developing and testing our faithfulness is by giving us responsibility as He did the three men in the Parable of the Talents referenced in Matthew 25:14-29. Please take time to read and study this out.
DEVELOPING FAITHFULNESS
“He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore, if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?” LUKE 16:10-12
When God is developing faithfulness, dependability, and trustworthiness in us, He will test us in the three following areas:
1. WITH SOMETHING SMALL. “…faithful in that which is least…” (being an usher, teaching in children’s church, Tithing)
2. WITH MATERIAL POSSESSIONS. “…unrighteous mammon…” (inexpensive automobile, starter home)
3. WITH WHAT BELONGS TO SOMEONE ELSE. “…what is another man’s…” (Taking physical care of the church property, being a faithful servant in a department as a member not a leader)
As faithfulness is developed in our lives, it eliminates at least three aspects of our “old man” that correspond to the above, which are pride, love of money, and disloyalty. God desires to promote us all and bring us into everlasting joy, but first He must work this great quality of faithfulness into our lives.
It is not important to know the why behind His answer but to obey it. 1 Samuel 15:22, “And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
We are commanded to trust Him and I have learned that He often speaks via different means. Please pay attention to his voice because connections can be very costly. God is so merciful. He let’s us test and retest, until we pass!
Remember to treat people right even after you got what you wanted. We are in the family of God because of Christ’s work on the cross, defeating sin and offering us mercy and forgiveness.
The word “faithful” actually means to be “dependable” or “trustworthy.” Did you notice the three things that result from faithfulness in our lives in the scripture listed above?
1. COMMENDATION or affirmation- “…Well done…” he who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much.
2. COMMITMENT leads to promotion “…ruler over many things…” You might be thinking of Joseph who went from the Pit to the Palace. Ruth went from working the field to owning the field.
3. CHEERFULNESS which develops into joy. “Enter into the joy of your lord” birthed after her own kind. The joy of the Lord becomes your strength. Doing it with the right attitude.
So, what exactly is this essential quality in a Joseph’s, Ruth’s or (add your name)___________life? God’s way of developing and testing our faithfulness is by giving us responsibility as He did the three men in the Parable of the Talents referenced in Matthew 25:14-29. Please take time to read and study this out.
DEVELOPING FAITHFULNESS
“He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore, if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?” LUKE 16:10-12
When God is developing faithfulness, dependability, and trustworthiness in us, He will test us in the three following areas:
1. WITH SOMETHING SMALL. “…faithful in that which is least…” (being an usher, teaching in children’s church, Tithing)
2. WITH MATERIAL POSSESSIONS. “…unrighteous mammon…” (inexpensive automobile, starter home)
3. WITH WHAT BELONGS TO SOMEONE ELSE. “…what is another man’s…” (Taking physical care of the church property, being a faithful servant in a department as a member not a leader)
As faithfulness is developed in our lives, it eliminates at least three aspects of our “old man” that correspond to the above, which are pride, love of money, and disloyalty. God desires to promote us all and bring us into everlasting joy, but first He must work this great quality of faithfulness into our lives.
It is not important to know the why behind His answer but to obey it. 1 Samuel 15:22, “And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
We are commanded to trust Him and I have learned that He often speaks via different means. Please pay attention to his voice because connections can be very costly. God is so merciful. He let’s us test and retest, until we pass!
Remember to treat people right even after you got what you wanted. We are in the family of God because of Christ’s work on the cross, defeating sin and offering us mercy and forgiveness.
Action Step: In what areas of your life is the Lord speaking to you about your level of faithfulness? Commendations? Commitments? Cheerfulness?
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