Faithfulness

In His Name Devotionals
FAITHFULNESS

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are Ehesus, and who are faithful in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 1:1 NIV)

“Success-oriented”...fitting words for this age. Even television exalts lifestyles of the rich and famous. But God’s standard for success is different. God is not impressed by man’s standard for success, but looks instead for faithfulness to His will.

Paul understood that principle and diligently pursued his calling as an apostle. His was a high calling, and yet, judging from Paul’s lifestyle, most people would hardly call him successful, having suffered imprisonments, beating, death threats, shipwrecks, robberies, hatred from his theological enemies, sleepless nights, hunger, thirst, and exposure to the elements (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). But none of those things deterred him from obeying God’s will. His final testimony was, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). True success!

You say, “Well, I’m no apostle.” Still you are to follow Paul’s example of faithfulness (1 Corinthians 11:1). That is possible because, like the Ephesian believers, if you are a Christian then you are a saint (holy one)...“faithful in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 1:1). How?

By God’s grace, you trust Christ as Lord and Savior (Ephesians 2:8-9);

You have received His righteousness (Philippians 3:9);

His Spirit (Ephesians 3:16); and

Every spiritual recourse necessary for faithful, victorious Christian living (Ephesians 1:3).

What remains is to cultivate greater love for Christ and more consistent obedience to His Holy Word. Those are the hallmarks of a true disciple and God’s measure of success. Make it your goal, that your life today warrants the Lord’s commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).