FAITHFUL

Our Savior is faithful. He is a faithful high priest (Hebrews 2:17). He was faithful to God (Hebrews 3:2). Christ was faithful as a Son (Hebrews 3:6). Jesus Christ is the faithful witness (Revelation 1:5). He is faithful and True (Revelation 19:11). Jesus is faithful. He did what He came to do despite what it cost Him. He will be faithful to return and do all that has been appointed for Him to do. As believers we rejoice in the faithfulness of our Master and Savior.

To express our thankfulness for our Lord's faithfulness we get to be faithful ourselves. One of the most faithful people mentioned in Scripture is Timothy, the young assistant of the Apostle Paul. Paul referred to him as, "my beloved and faithful child in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 4:17). So faithful was Timothy that Paul said, "I have no one else of kindred spirit" Philippians 2:20). Then Paul made this amazing statement, "For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:21). Timothy stood out from everybody else. He was faithful to the interests of the Lord above his own interests. That's the definition of faithfulness. Christ was faithful to minister to the needs of others (us!) at the cost of His life. We are faithful to Him when we consider His interests above ours.

We are called to be faithful. We can rejoice that when we are not faithful, He remains faithful, but we must strive to grow in being faithful to our Lord. Let me give you one practical application. Every church I have been in has placed a heavy emphasis on Sunday morning (rightfully so since we celebrate the fact that our Lord rose from the dead on the first day of the week). It is then that we attend the main worship service and a Sunday School class. This time on Sunday morning is foundational to all the other ministries of the church. Let's be faithful to give our best to these Sunday morning times. Make it a non-negotiable that you and your family will be there, if physically possible, and you will be prepared to make the most of the time. That would include getting a good night sleep. Many are familiar with the expression, "Sunday morning begins on Saturday night." Others may be familiar with the old song which reminded us that Jesus rose from the dead for us so we should at least get up out of bed for Him. Do what you need to make the most of Sunday.

BE FAITHFUL.