If you ask someone who sleeps in on Sunday morning why they avoid church, many will point to the hypocrisy or lack of faithfulness in church members. Are you part of the problem? Here are 4 questions for you to reflect on as you work on growing the fruit of faithfulness.
Are you faithful to God? When no one is looking, are you still committed to being trustworthy? If no one were to ever find out, would you still walk the right path? In John 14:23, Jesus says, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.” Being faithful to God means walking by the Spirit even when the flesh is telling you something different. Galatians 5:16 says, “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.”
Are you faithful to making disciples? Jesus called us to love God and love others. How are you doing at pointing everyone in your life to Jesus? James 1:22 speaks truth when it says, “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” Are you applying what you learn? Are you faithful with the calling God has placed on your life? 2 Timothy 2:2 says, “You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.”
Are you faithful in your stewardship? Who or what is the lord of your life? Are you being a good manager of what God has given to you? Do you work as if you are working for the Lord? In the parable of the three servants, Jesus describes faithful stewardship when He said, “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” (Matthew 25:21). And Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.”
Are you faithful in your relationships? Do you honor God in the way you treat those closest to you? Are you working and living for the Lord? Colossians 3:18-23 addresses the family when it says:
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged. Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” Which area do you need to focus on as we start a new week?