“FROM THE PASTOR’S HEART” March 12, 2019
Faithful is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as 1. strict or thorough in the performance of duty: a faithful worker. 2. True to one’s word, promises, vows, etc. God describes it through demonstrating what faithfulness looks like through the Incarnation and His prophets in Scripture,
“Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, 2 who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house. 3 For this One has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He who built the house has more honor than the house. 4 For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God. 5 And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward, 6 but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end” (Hebrews 3:1-6, NKJV emphasis added).
The most important thing for a person to be faithful is that they must accept and agree with the one to whom they are going to be faithful. Those who cannot agree with or accept or believe the same thing as another can never be faithful to them in spite of the effort they put forth. This is a fact since each area a person disagrees with will cause them stress and conflict personally. If they do comply it will not be with full faithfulness; corners will be cut and the standard will be lowered to meet the position of the one to whom they disagree. This can be seen in the example of those who begin businesses based on a standard of service which values even the crankiest of customers. As the company grows and employees are added, the likelihood of the standard of service diminishes. New workers hired may not agree with the policies of the company and will operate under the standards they can agree with but faithless to the standard set by the founders and owners. It is only when each employee agrees with and practices the original standard of the founder that the same level of service will be continued.
This is true with people spiritually who follow Christ.Christ has set the perfect example for His followers to live a pleasing life before the Father. The problem is that each person who chooses to follow Him will often adjust what Christ has said and done in establishing the standard Jesus set. Forgiveness is the greatest thing that people will adjust the standards that have been set by God. Forgiveness is never an option for a follower of Jesus; it is a command to follow without exception regardless of what injury was received, “14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15, NKJV).
Faithfulness is only possible when those following Christ accept the will of God over their own desires and will. If a person has problems with faithfulness, they must first align their standards of life, justice, love, and forgiveness with God’s in order to become faithful to the Lord in all things.
Praying beyond the physical: Father, help me to understand and accept that Your will and ways are prefect and do not need my adjustments. Jesus, help me to follow Your example rather than attempt to improve on perfection. Spirit, help me to change my lifestyle, attitudes, and desires so they are all in agreement with the Father. Pastor Tom
