FAITHFULNESS IN GOD’S SERVICE

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own…Moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (Luke 16:10-12; 1 Corinthians 4:2). Fingers are not equal. It is not a mistake, that is exactly how God created them. But each function in its own capacity faithfully doing its own part.

There are diversities of spiritual gifts and ministries in the household of faith. The Spirit of the Lord writing through Apostle Paul said, “For the body is not one member, but many…But now hath God set the members everyone of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him” (1 Corinthians 12:14-18). Whatever work you are doing for the Lord, whether small or great, the Lord expects you to be faithful.

Faithfulness, even when the duty does not suit your fancy or rhyme with your social status or spiritual standing faithfulness is all the Lord requires of you. For the Lord won’t accept any excuse for failure (Matthew 25:24-27,30).There is a clarion call for faithful, committed and dependable ministers in God’s vineyard. God is daily searching for men and women, young and old who are ready to serve Him selflessly, committedly, and faithfully. Unfortunately, many of those who take up appointments in God’s house are only after material or financial benefits they could acquire by serving the Master. But a faithful servant does whatever his hands find to do with all his might, knowledge and wisdom (Ecclesiastes 9:10). He does not tolerate sin, seek self-glory or reward from men. He is undeterred by affliction, persecution, want and initial failure. He holds fast that which the Lord has given him and labor on in hope.   He daily trims his lamp of service with the oil of faith, purified his heart of all doubts and ensures that his hands are continually on the plough (Luke 9:62). Jesus Christ our perfect example in all things. As servants in his service, we are called to follow His steps. “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (Titus 1:9).

Christ was faithful to the Father who sent Him, and He remained faithful to the end. Faithfulness glues the believer to his duty post. It moves him to do the task assigned to him rain or sunshine. Faithfulness is tenacity of conviction and commitment to purpose and practice. The faithful does not waver, cringe or recant. He remains unmovable in his conviction, firm in his confession and fixed in his commitment and consecration. He is ready to die at his duty post.The reason why many ministers fail in their service to God is lack of faithfulness. Those who doubt the power of God or unwilling to pay the price but rather look for help in Egypt using diabolical powers to deceive the unguided flock yest saying. “Thus saith the Lord” when the Lord has not spoken, are unfaithful.

If your convictions, commitment and consecration change with time and tide of prosperity and popularity, you are unfaithful. Whatever work you are doing for the Lord, whether small or great, recognized, or otherwise, it is faithfulness that God requires. Therefore, God expects you to be faithful. To do this, do the following:Magnify your office and put your best into it (Romans 11:13). Discharge your duties with a high sense of responsibility (2 Corinthians 2:16). Be bold, uncompromising, forthright and unsparing in the denunciation of evil and declaration of the truth (Acts 4:13; Titus 1:13).Adhere to the word of God who has called you (2 Corinthians 4:2). Live a challenging true Christian life (Matthew 5:16; Titus 2:8). Be determined to please the Lord , not surrendering to people’s whim and praise.“Therefore,my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). The work you do for the Lord, the office or position you hold in your church might not have a big name or great title attached to it, yet you need to be faithful, loyal, committed, and selfless in discharging your duties because your work shall be rewarded. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

Faithfulness in a little office brings promotion to bigger office. If you are a faithful soul winner today, tomorrow, God will make you a dynamic preacher or evangelist. Whatever lowly position you think occupy today, if you would be faithful, higher position than you would ever dream of awaits you tomorrow. As in the case of David ( 1 Samuel 16:11), you might be the youngest and unrecognized but if you are faithful in little, God will bring you to the limelight for greater honor and service. Remember Joshua’s appointment after Moses’ death and Elisha’s appointment after Elisha’s appointment after Elijah’s transition. You should, however, avoid murmuring, bitterness and complaint which fill the service of some. These will block your chances of promotion to something higher and greater. Therefore, be faithful. Faithfulness will earn you favor of God and His untold blessings here on earth and in the life eternal.

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