It has been several months since we last looked at our reading of “A Woman’s Walk with God” by Elizabeth George. It is a study of the Fruit of the Spirit. We still have three more fruit to look at and we will cover them over the next few days.
Today we look at chapter ten – “Following Through in Faithfulness.”
The fruit of the Spirit is…faithfulness. Galatians 5:22
The author, Elizabeth George, starts off by giving us five insights into faithfulness. She states that God’s faithfulness must be a part of our character “because faithfulness marks God’s presence in our life. When you and I are faithful, we show that we are born of God and belong to Him.”
1. The God of Faithfulness. We see throughout the Bible that God is faithful. “You and I can endure our trials by counting on God’s faithfulness.” Jesus is faithful. God’s Word is faithful.I join with the author in saying “So, my friend…take a quick inventory of your own Christian walk. Let these points stretch your understanding of the fruit of faithfulness, a fruit that is so needed in our world today! And then ask God for His strength to go to work cultivating His faithfulness in your life.”
2. The Core of Faithfulness. “Faithfulness is defined as loyalty, trustworthiness, or steadfastness. It is characteristic of the person who is reliable, and it applies to the Christian’s behavior in respect to people as well as toward God.” When I read this, I wondered if we tend to think that our faithfulness to others is not as important as our faithfulness to God. But that statement tells me otherwise. “Faithfulness is a major distinction of Christian women and a quality God uses to benefit the church, the body of Christ.”
3. The Marks of Faithfulness. The author gave an extensive list of what faithfulness does and what it looks like in action. I thought it was pretty impressive and want to share it with you. Take time to slowly read through the list and ponder each one.
a. She follows through – on whatever she has to do.
b. She comes through – no matter what.
c. She delivers the goods – whether a message or a meal.
d. She shows up – even early so others won’t worry.
e. She keeps her word – her yes means yes and her no means no. (James 5:12)
f. She keeps her commitments and appointments – you won’t find her canceling.
g. She successfully transacts business – carrying out any instructions given to her.
h. She discharges her official duties in the church – and doesn’t neglect worship.
i. She is devoted to duty – just as Jesus was when He came to do His Father’s will (John 4:34).
4. The Opposites of Faithfulness. Opposites of faithfulness include fickle (changing your mind, your loyalties, your standards); unreliable (doesn’t come through, can’t be depended on, can’t be trusted with responsibility).We are not finished with the chapter but that already is a lot to think about, a lot to let soak in so we will stop there for today. Tomorrow we will continue on the fruit of faithfulness and look at the need for faithfulness and the struggles to be faithful.
5. The Essence of Faithfulness. The author shared her own definition of faithfulness and I like it too. “Do it!” “Faithfulness means doing it…no matter what, doing it…regardless of feelings, moods, or desires – if the Lord wills (James 4:15). Let the motto “Do it!” move you toward greater faithfulness.”
I look forward to seeing you back here tomorrow as we continue looking at faithfulness.
Let’s pray. Father, I thank You that You are a faithful God, Your Word is faithful. I ask that You help me and those reading this that we will strive to be faithful to you and to those around us. We ask that You will give us strength to work on cultivating Your faithfulness in our lives. Father, may Your faithfulness shine out of us to those around us. Thank You Father. We love and appreciate You. We declare that there is none like You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Blessings,
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