Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:1-8 KJV
- 1 Corinthians 4:2 KJV
As Christians, we often talk about the importance of having a strong relationship with God. But what does it mean to have a strong relationship with God? Is it just about believing in Him, or is it about being faithful to Him? Faithfulness encompasses loyalty, steadfastness, and reliability in our relationship with God and with others. It is a quality that reflects God’s own character, for He is forever faithful to His promises and His people. In this devotional, we will explore the importance of being faithful to God and how it shapes our relationship with Him, and the danger of not being faithful.
Our Key Verse above (1 Corinthians 4:2) teaches us that being faithful is a requirement for those who are entrusted with responsibilities. We should seek to be faithful in all aspects of our lives, recognizing that our actions affect those around us. This is especially true for those in a leadership role. If the person we are following is not following God, then we are being lead away from God.
Faithfulness is a Choice
Faithfulness is not just a feeling or an emotion, but a choice we make every day. It is a choice to trust God, to obey Him, and to follow Him, even when it’s hard. As Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” When we choose to be faithful to God, we are choosing to trust in His goodness, His love, and His sovereignty.
Faithfulness is a Fruit of the Spirit
In Galatians 5:22-23, it says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit that grows in us as we walk with God. When we are faithful to God, we are able to be faithful to others, to our relationships, and to our commitments.
Faithfulness is a Test of Our Trust
Faithfulness is not just about what we do, but about why we do it. Being faithful demonstrates our trust in God and our willingness to follow His guidance, even when the path is uncertain or difficult. When we are faithful to God, we are saying that we trust Him to provide, to guide, and to protect us. As 1 Corinthians 2:9 says, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” Furthermore, Proverbs 3:5-6 directs us saying, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Faithfulness is a Reward
Faithfulness is a reward in and of itself. When we are faithful to God, we are rewarded with a deeper relationship with Him, with peace, with joy, and with a sense of purpose. As Proverbs 3:3 says, “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:” When we are faithful to God, we are rewarded with a heart that is filled with mercy and truth.
Faithfulness In Our Relationships
Faithfulness is also crucial in our relationships with others, as it fosters trust, security, and mutual respect. In Proverbs 20:6 tells us, "Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?" By remaining faithful to our loved ones, we create a foundation of trust and support that can withstand the challenges of life.
Danger Of Trusting An Faithful Man
Finally, Proverbs 25:19 tells us plainly that "Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint." Here God is waning us that when things are failing, we should not trust and put our confidence in an unfaithful person.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the importance of faithfulness, let us strive to remain steadfast in our commitment to God and our relationships with others. By trusting in His guidance and remaining faithful to those we love, we can experience the blessings of a life well-lived. In the words of Proverbs 28:20, "A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent." In Hebrews 10:23, we read, "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)"
Are you Saved? - Previous | Next
