Faithfulness

Faithfulness - being "BIG" in the "LITTLE" Things.

Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble.
 - Proverbs 25:19

Like their fathers they were disloyal and faithless, as unreliable as a faulty bow.
 - Psalm 78:57

These little things are unimportant in the eyes of the world but they are important in the eyes of God.

1. The SOURCE of faithfulness

The faithfulness that pleases God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.
 - Galatians 5:22

We came to a point where we surrender ourselves to the Lord. And at the point of that surrender is the Holy Spirit that dwell in us. And the fruit is the faithfulness. But in all these we need God's help to receive the Holy Spirit.


2. The APPLICATION of faithfulness

Being BIG in the Little Things.

We are asked to play small roles without significance. But if we are faithful because we believe that God has called us to do these little things it blesses the name of the Lord and it blesses other people.

Faithfulness means a great reward from the greater rewarder.

He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.
 - Luke 16:10

Being faithful in "little" things puts these to the test:
* our MOTIVES
    - why we are doing what we are doing?
    - who is it for?
* our CONSISTENCY
    - Being faithful till the end
* our SENSE of WORTH
    - where does our sense of worth come from? From applause of the people? Or from pleasing God?

Faithfulness is an "EVERYDAY" practice
- Has regular quiet time with the Lord
- Tithes regularly
- Keeps promises
- Is the same person at home, at work or in church
- Doesn't seek the limelight, but to finish the job
- Speaks the truth always
- Admits mistakes without rationalizing or blaming
- Takes initiative without being told
- Keeps accountable / gives update without being asked
- pay debts without being asked
- Meets deadlines
- Keeps right priorities - God, family, work, ministry, others
- Spends according to a budget
- Does not give up despite setbacks
- Cares for others' things  as if they were his own
- Keeps confidential matters confidential
- Flees from, rather than flirts with temptation
- Is true to his marriage vows

Faithfulness is a LIFESTYLE, comes from inside-out. We cannot do it alone without the Holy Spirit.

3. The MOTIVATION of faithfulness
    - Pleasing GOD -

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
 - Galatians 1:10

Real Rewards of Faithfulness:

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

Our greatest motivator of faithfulness is because GOD is always faithful to us.