The four characteristics we will look at in this series are faithful, fervent, focused, and fruitful. They are essential for having a life that is pleasing to God and the prerequisite for fulfilling our purpose and destiny in Christ.
These four qualities are foundational for anyone desirous of having a meaningful life or lasting impact in the Kingdom of God.
The first characteristic we should strive for is faithfulness. It is a quality God looks for in all of His children, and one that has great reward, both now and when we stand before Him.
The Hebrew word for faithful is ‘aman’ and it means:
firm, faithful, established, believed, sure, continuance, verified, trust, trusty, steadfast.
These are traits and characteristics God is looking for in all of us. He wants to promote us, and entrust us with more, but we first must prove ourselves faithful with what He has already given us.
He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Luke 16:10
The opposite is true of an unfaithful man or woman. They will not be trusted with much.
Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint. Proverbs 25:19
Would you trust a broken tooth to chew nuts, steak, or beef jerky? Would you jump up and down on a dislocated or injured foot? Probably not.
Faithfulness is required for progress in the Kingdom of God. The Lord is not looking for slackers, but faithful children who are committed to His cause, His purpose, His Kingdom. His greatest blessings are stored up for the faithful.
A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished. Proverbs 28:20
It is amazing how some people are so faithful to their hobbies, favorite TV shows, music, or sports, but they will not put that same loyalty in their service to God and His word.
When it comes to spiritual things, they are hit and miss. These same individuals are faithful to show up at work, put in long hours, and obey all the company guidelines. However, they treat serving God and obeying His word totally different.
Their loyalty and commitment to God seem almost non-existent at times because they have not decided to be faithful to Him who called them into His Kingdom and glory (1 Thessalonians 2:12).
I am not just talking about attending church, although fellowship with other believers can be included with being faithful to God. I am talking about an attitude that exudes with faithfulness in pleasing God every day and in all He asks us to do.
When we realize how privileged we are to be sons and daughters of God, it will deepen our love, gratitude, and service to Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9) It will cause us to be faithful, even in challenging times (Revelation 2:10).
In the 25th chapter of Matthew, Jesus tells a parable of the lord who gave his servants talents to steward and invest. To one he gave five talents. To another he gave two talents. To another he gave one talent. Each one received according to their ability.
Two of the servants were faithful and doubled what they had received. But one was lazy and hid his master’s talent in the ground so he could give it back to him when he returned.
When the lord returned to reckon with his servants, he found the first two servants had doubled his money and were profitable. The last servant was found to be unfaithful and was severely judged for his laziness and unfaithfulness to his lord.
Here is how the lord in this parable responded to each of these servants.
19) After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
20) "So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.'
21) His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
22) He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.'
23) His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
24) "Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed.
25) And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.'
26) "But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed.
27) So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.
28) So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. 29) 'For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.
30) And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
(Matthew 25:19-30).
No company or employer wants an unfaithful employee. Those types of individuals usually do not last long. How much more should we consider faithfulness to God a normal thing and reasonable service (Romans 12:1). Why should we treat Him less than an earthly employer?
The Bible tells us we must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ to receive His reward for the things we have done while living on the earth (Romans 14:10).
The number one thing most believers want to hear from the Lord on that day is:
'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
Are you serving God with that in mind? Is this your highest priority in life? Is loving God and doing His will your greatest desire? If not, stop right now and ask Him to change your heart, your desires, your goals, and your eternal perspective.
You and the Lord will be thrilled you were faithful on that glorious day.
There is so much more we could share on this subject, but we will move on to discuss what it means to be fervent in our next post. Until then, may God our Heavenly Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, richly bless and keep you.
James Brown
11/17/2024