February 9, 2010

Always Faithful

U.S. Marines are known for many things - bravery, endurance, esprit de
corps - but they are perhaps best known for their motto "Semper
Fidelis." These two Latin terms sum up a mindset that is purposefully
and intentionally taught to these men and women from boot camp forward.
It is also required of and exemplified by those who lead them.

The term, "Semper Fidelis" can be translated "Always Faithful." It
describes a way of thinking and living marked by solidity and
reliability. Someone who is "semper fidelis" can be counted on, not
occasionally or sporadically, but all the time.

One of the often overlooked and under-emphasized qualities in our
spiritual growth is faithfulness. In our studies and sermons, faith
rightly receives a lot of attention, but faithfulness, which is an
important and expected by-product of faith is sometimes neglected.

What is faithfulness?

Faithfulness is the way we live out our faith. It is the demonstration,
by our lifestyle, words and actions that we really do believe God and
His Word. It is holding firm to our commitment to God in times of
temptation and testing. It is doing the work God has assigned us to do
wholeheartedly, with excellence and thoroughness. It is "putting our
hands to the Kingdom plow and not looking back!"

One day we will all stand before God, the great Judge of the universe.
As believers in Jesus Christ, our judgment will not be about our eternal
destiny, that has already been settled for us by our faith in Jesus'
death and resurrection. What will be up for review is our faithfulness.
The question will be, did we live faithfully as a follower of Jesus?

Jesus revealed to us the most desirable and precious words that could be
heard on that day:

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have
been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many
things. Come and share your master's happiness!' - Matthew 25:21

Although our individual gifts, Kingdom responsibilities and personal
opportunities are all different, there is one thing we should all strive
to do equally well - we should strive to BE FAITHFUL! Our goal as
believers in Jesus should be "ALWAYS FAITHFUL!"

Pastor Dale