INTENTIONAL FAITHFULNESS

Faithfulness is the seventh of nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

FAITHFULNESS IS A CHOICE
Faithfulness anchors our beliefs as Christ-followers and requires an intentional choice. Vocational and marketplace Christian leaders must role model behavior - it’s an intentional decision. How? Let’s see what Scriptures say. Beyond simple fidelity, faithfulness encompasses:

            1. Loyalty to God
            2. Commitment in Relationships
            3. Integrity in Actions

FAITHFULNESS TO CHRIST
Remaining true to Christ’s Holy Word and His teachings, even when the tide of public opinion goes against it. Christ deserves, expects, and demands our total loyalty.

• Deuteronomy 6:5 - “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
• Matthew 22:37 - Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’”
• Psalm 37:3-5 - “Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do this.”

FAITHFULNESS IN RELATIONSHIPS
Being reliable and steadfast in our commitments to people, whether in friendships, family, or marital bonds is essential. As Christ demonstrates His faithfulness to us, we must be faithful to those entrusted to our care.

• Proverbs 17:17 - “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
• Hebrews 13:4 - “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”

FAITHFULNESS IN ACTIONS
As leaders, especially, our actions must match our words. This requires us to be the same person privately as we are publicly. We must have integrity, which can be thought of as the full integration of what we believe, with how we behave, especially when we think no one is watching (Christ is always watching).

• Proverbs 10:9 - “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”
• Matthew 5:16 - “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
• Colossians 3:23-24 - “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

ACTIONS TO TAKE TO BECOME MORE FAITHFUL
Here are four. I am sure you can think of many more:

1. Engage in Daily Renewal of Your Commitment to Christ: Spend daily time in prayer and meditation, reconnecting with Christ and reaffirming your commitment and devotion to Him.
2. Stay in God’s Word on a Daily Basis: Regularly read and study the Bible, seeking guidance, correction, and encouragement.
3. Gain Greater Accountability: Surround yourself with a community (Church where you are known), groups (like a Bible Study), and one-on-one relationships (like a mentor and/or accountability partner) that keep you accountable in your walk with Christ.
4.  Gain Leadership Coaching: Engage with a pastoral or leadership coach; and if you are a coach, make sure you have a coach who is also coaching you!

CONCLUSION
Being a leader who is a Christ-follower demands intentional faithfulness in every aspect of our lives. As ministry and marketplace leaders, we have a sacred duty to reflect Christ's love and faithfulness in our loyalty to God, our relationships, and our actions.

Our call is not just to display faithfulness but to live it intentionally. The world needs more than just Christ-followers; it needs Christ-following leaders who are unwavering in their faith, consistent in their walk, and true to their words. Intentional faithfulness is a beacon of light in a world filled with transient feelings and fleeting commitments. As leaders, let's strive to be that light, reflecting the very heart of God.
Amen.

Your aspiring servant, Daniel M.
​October 18, 2023
POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV.
If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ.