Paul - “We are writing to God’s holy people in the city of Colosse, who are faithful brothers and sisters in Christ.” (Colossians 1:2)
What is one quality you appreciate in the lives of others? We may list qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. But there is another quality in the list of the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23) that we all appreciate in others - the quality of faithfulness. Paul commended Christians in Colossae because they lived trustworthy, dependable, consistent, committed, and faithful lives. And faithfulness is a difficult quality to find in people’s lives today.
How do we know when someone is “faithful”? A faithful person is committed to 1) Keeping their Promises (Proverbs 25:14), 2) Fidelity to their Spouse (Hebrews 13:4), 3) Supporting their Family (1 Timothy 5:8), 4) Standing by Friends (Proverbs 17:17), and 5) Attending their Church (Hebrews 10:25). And the Bible also says “faithful Christians” are also those who are involved in serving God with their time and talents (Matthew 25:14-30). The truth is, sometimes it’s really difficult to be a “faithful person” in our day and time. But that’s who the Lord has called us to be and how He’s called us to live.
Why should we want to live “faithful lives”? One reason is that God is faithful (Deuteronomy 7:9, Psalm 33:4, 2 Thessalonians 3:3), and we will strive to become more like Him. Another reason is that everyone appreciates it when people around them demonstrate faithfulness. Proverbs 25:19 says, “Putting confidence in an unreliable person is like chewing with a toothache or walking on a broken foot.” A third reason to want to live a “faithful life” is because one day God will reward His faithful servants in heaven (Matthew 25:21).
What does it take to live a “faithful life”? Living a “faithful life” requires a desire to live such a life and then a commitment to living such a life. But it also requires a daily surrender to God’s Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 says, “When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
Prayer - Lord, help me to have a desire and commitment to live a faithful life so I can be a blessing to You and others. And help me to surrender to Your Spirit daily because doing so will enable me to live a godly and faithful life.
Reflection - On a scale of 1 to 10, what score would I give myself regarding faithfulness? And what steps can I take to live a more “faithful life”?
