Building Character- Faithfulness
- Faithfulness….
In Galatians 5:22 FAITHFULNESS is in the last “grouping” of the Fruit of the Spirit which describes principles of Christian conduct.
When we think of this word or attribute, we think about God’s faithfulness TO US. We think about how He’s redeemed us, we think about the things he’s pulled us out of (sin, sickness, a life of passivity), we think about the things we’ve probably avoided BECAUSE of His love and mercy and protection! But let’s look at it from a different perspective. Let’s look at at from a place of our faithfulness TOWARDS GOD! Ask yourself….” Would I consider myself faithful toward God ….THE WAY I EXPECT HIM TO BE FAITHFUL TO ME”?? Ouch!! If we’re reeeeally honest with ourselves I believe that every one of us would have to say …NO! The word faithfulness (pistos in the Greek) means trustworthy, faithful, and RELIABLE! In our Christian journey we need to ask ourselves if the Lord can actually RELY on us?? Can He interrupt our very busy schedules to help someone (maybe a ride somewhere)? Can He ask you to give in an area you don’t really like to (maybe time, an extra work shift) ? Can He ask you to change something in your life (even if you don’t know why) and you’ll do it? And most importantly, can He EXPECT to have some TIME with you….ALONE? How reliable am I to my Lord?? How reliable do I EXPECT Him to be with me? Are there some changes I might need to make??
It is vitally important that not only do we teach these kinds of virtues to our children but, as we’ve mentioned before ….if we as parents, grandparents, “Christian” adults don’t have these character traits, HOW will our children ever learn??? How can they have faithfulness in their world if they aren’t SEEING it exercised in front of them??
Ya know the good ol’ saying….”PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH! ” ….well, if we’re not where we should be in our Faithfulness toward God then repent and let’s get practicing!!! Remember, we’ll never “arrive”…. we are on this never ending journey til our last breath! So relax and practice taking new steps every day! Practice your faithfulness to God …. I think you might be quite surprised!!! 🙂
James 4:8 “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”!
Lets draw near to our Savior!
