The Faithful Wrap Up...

Over the last few days we've been looking at the topic of faithfulness, our calling to be faithful to who God created us to be, our calling to be faithful to what we say we believe and today, our calling to be faithful to what we say to others.

At first run this may come across as unspiritual but what we're talking about are the things that we say in everyday life. Our everyday speech, our words, our promises, our comments. In other words, are you a person who keeps his or her word? If you say you’re going to do something, does it get done? If you say you’ll volunteer for something, do you show up? If you make a commitment, does that commitment followed through on?

You may be thinking, “Why does this matter? Everyone bails on a commitment here and there. People get busy, over-committed and sometimes lose track of time. Stuff happens." I agree. I've been there myself. But let's not forget the words of Jesus. 

Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT) says…“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."

You and I are called to be as a city on a hill. We are called to be a lamp in the darkness. Our good deeds, our commitments kept, our promises honored, our follow through completed are a light in the darkness of our world. 

You’re not called to be a person of your word so that you can bring glory and honor to yourself, you’re called to live that way so that people will ultimately give glory to God.  

Colossians 3:23-24 (Message) says…"Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work."

I love the phrase that says, “Say what you’re going to do and then do what you say.” All of humanity is called to honor commitments but who more so then the Christ follower. We are representing Jesus. Our follow through and commitment point back to Him.

Ultimately, our call to faithfulness is rooted in God Himself. We can find the strength and discipline to live faithful lives because God has set the ultimate example of faithfulness for us.

​Psalm 100:5 (NLT) says…"For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation."

​Tap in to God's faithfulness. Allow His strength to draw you in, to His calling for your life. Allow His example to challenge you to be faithful to what you say you believe. Look to Him for wisdom on how to be faithful to what your commitments. 

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