Faithfulness

Matthew 24:45-46 "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.”

It’s not about success; it’s about faithfulness. If you have been in ministry for any length of time, you will know from practice the value of these words. Success is fleeting; faithfulness is a choice. Success is something that happens when all the right stuff comes together in order. It’s like being in the right place at the right time or having the right tools to finish the job. Faithfulness is choosing to act and live in such a way that the conclusion is to become more like Jesus.

Let me explain. Faithfulness is living life not based upon outcome or performance criteria. It is choosing to live each and every day in relationship, living life in context with the scriptures and expressing gratitude for everything that has been given to us through faith in Christ Jesus. Faithfulness is the success that pleases God.

There are two things in this passage that lead us down the path toward more faithfulness. The first is wisdom. Notice from the passage: “Who then is the faithful and wise servant?” Wisdom about life is a shared reality. We learn from past failures and mistakes and from the lives of others who have gone before us. If we fail to learn from our past, we have wasted an opportunity to learn. The more we learn the better we are at becoming faithful. We also learn in relationship, with God, and with others in community. Faithfulness is learned as we live.

Point two. Faithfulness is also practiced each and every day. Yes, even when I don’t feel like being faithful. It is the blueprint of my life. I choose to live faithfully in spite of outward experience or inward doubt that would cause me to think that things are not going as planned. It is too easy to get caught up in the success model of our world and think, that’s reality. While in fact, reality is actually the practice of everyday believing, everyday praying, everyday getting out of bed knowing that God, not I, is in control. God is the only one who is successful. He proved that in creation, and in this, He now calls us to be faithful.

So today, get up, get going, and be faithful! Amen.

Readings for today: Matthew chapters 22 – 24.