Friday, August 29, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

What is Your Measure of Faithfulness?

Mathew 25:23 The master said, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!"

Today, we want everything fast --- we don't want to pay the price --- and, if we're not happy, we're out of there! At least that's what the statistics reveal. More than 50% of marriages end in divorce. In almost 40% of marriages, at least one spouse admits to emotional or physical infidelity. The average person stays on a job for only 4 years. For those under the age of 35, those statistics are even less.

Certainly, there are unhealthy marriages and unhealthy job situations that DEFINITELY require change. However, the decision to leave rather than remaining to work it out is not always the right answer.

The lack of faithfulness apparent today may be an escalating problem, but it's not a new problem. Proverbs 20:6 asks, "Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?"

This verse reveals that many will profess with their words that they ARE faithful, BUT faithfulness is not about words. It's about action!

Most individuals have desires for happy marriages and thriving careers. Although this is what they desire, they refuse to pay a price to obtain those blessings. They refuse to stick around when things get tough.

Today's verse honors a person who was promoted for being faithful in the small amount of responsibility he was given! If you desire to achieve success on the job or at home, you must focus on positive impact in those areas. That impact takes time, work, and.....faithfulness.

Studies reveal that the younger generation does not have the same respect for authority as previous generations. The new concept is that "you give me something to respect - THEN I will respect you."

Part of being faithful is respecting those you are working with and in relationship with. Because none of us are perfect, even our leaders will let us down. Nevertheless, that is not an excuse to respond with disrespect or to perform at a lower level than God would expect.

I challenge you today to always be faithful and respectful to those that God has placed in your life. By doing so, you will be elevated and celebrated! Proverbs 28:20 promises, "A faithful man shall abound with blessings." When your relationships and jobs get tough, seek Him for direction.

Dear Lord, Help me to be faithful in every area of my life that You have entrusted me in. I trust You to always lead me in the right direction!

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.

Reflection:  Are you being faithful in all that God has given to you?