Are you faithful
Are you faithful? When many people hear this question, the first thought that comes to their mind is relationship, and whether one has been faithful to their spouse or their partner. But, this blog post goes beyond this and focusses on being faithful towards the things in the other areas of our life, which could also have an impact on how faithful we are in our relationships.
Let us first define what it means to be faithful. To be faithful is to consistently remain loyal, regardless of the circumstances that may arise. For example, a man being loyal to his wife or a work employee being consistent in the workplace. It can also be defined as someone who is devoted and supportive, such as a member of a church congregation. I’m sure that you are familiar with the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25.
[pullquote]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[/pullquote]
If you haven’t read this passage, you would have at least heard a sermon or two concerning this parable. I believe there is so much we can learn from this parable, which we can apply to the different areas of our life; including our finances, our place of work and our relationship with God. If you have not yet read this parable, I would encourage you to take time after reading this post to read and study Matthew 25:14-30.
Are you a faithful servant?
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men (Colossians 3:23)
The first question I want us to ask ourselves is whether we are faithful servants of God. How do I become a faithful servant you may ask! The above scripture highlights that whatever we do, whether within our homes or our churches, we should do it as if we are doing it for God rather than human beings.
I know how difficult this can be when you are passionate about the things of the Lord, but your circumstances and people discourage you. God is calling us to be faithful in whatever we do, as an act of service unto Him. Are you serving God, or are you making many other things in this world your God? Because as we defined above, a faithful person is someone that is loyal, consistent and devoted. Are you truly devoted to God? Are you about your Father’s business?
Be faithful in small things
He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much (Luke 16:10)
So many people want to be promoted, but they are not willing to be faithful in the position that they are. I want to look at three areas where many of us struggle to remain faithful with little: in our workplace, our finances, and towards people who are in positions of authority.
In the workplace
Are you a faithful employee? Or do you make things very difficult for your employer to manage you? I think it is very important for us to discuss this point as I know how much of a struggle it can be trying to remain faithful in the workplace. You try your best to be a good employee, but your manager makes things so difficult for you to remain faithful.
The day I began to understand the importance of integrity in the workplace it made me realise the impact on our daily lives. How do you behave when your manager is not looking? When your manager steps out of the office or even has a day off, does your behaviour change or do you continue to remain ‘faithful’? Do you steal stationary from the office or do you talk about your manager or work colleagues at the lunch table? God wants us to remain faithful in our places of employment or business as this pleases Him. Even if you are not rewarded for your steadfastness by your employer, know that your reward is with God.
With your finances
Do you remain steadfast when you do not have much money in your bank account? Do you still give 10% of the little you earn to God, or do you become stingy and refuse to give? After all, you’re not earning that much at work and you have bills to pay, so why should you give? Well God tells us in Proverbs 10:4 that ‘he who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.’
No matter how little you have, remain faithful and do not allow this to prevent you from giving out of the little that you do have. This does not mean that your motive for giving should be to receive, but God calls us to be good stewards over the money He has given us.
Are you managing the money that God has given unto you effectively? The reality is, if you are unable to be faithful with little money, and fail to manage what is in your possession, then you will find it difficult to be faithful with plenty. Just remember, continue to remain steadfast!
Therefore, if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches (Luke 16:11).
Towards those in Authority
Now, are you loyal towards those in authority? This is a question which we all need to ask ourselves. Many people want to become a leader, but they refuse to be a faithful steward. Let us look at an example.
You want to be the choir leader however, as a choir member you are very troublesome, you come to every practice late and you even talk back to the choir leader, but you aspire to one day become the next choir leader? You can see how silly that sounds!
Joseph in the bible is someone who remained devoted even when cast into prison and he was later promoted in a great way. Jesus tells us in Luke 16:12 that ‘if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own’? Let us remain faithful to those who we are placed under their authority.
Final Word of encouragement
Are you steadfast with the things God has given to you? In the parable of the talents we see three different examples of how the servants used what was given to them from their master. The purpose in being faithful in small things is not to focus on what you will gain. The main purpose is to bring glory to God in whatever you are doing. We have been told in Colossians 3:23 to do whatever we do as if we are doing it unto the Lord. So, whether this be in your place of work, the use of your finances or gifts, or even in your relationships, do it to please the Lord. Whenever you next find yourself complaining because you are not in the position you wish to be, remember to remain steadfast!
God bless you.
Author: Pro. Maria Tayo
Blogger and Contributor Celestialweekly.com
Publisher https://dobettereverydayblog.wordpress.com