Faithfulness First - by Karen Pourbabaee
“…without faith it is impossible to please Him…” Hebrews 11:6 (NAS)
What is success? What’s it mean to you? Webster’s definition is gaining of wealth, fame, rank, etc. Some believe it brings power, money, comfort, prestige, and the praise and admiration of men. These benchmarks of success may coexist with faithfulness, but without it one may ultimately find emptiness. Faithlessness is an unbearable poverty.
“I do not ask for success but faithfulness.” Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa wisely rejected a quest for success , instead praying for faithfulness. It reflected a heart desiring to please God first, resulting in a blessed life winning the admiration of the faithful and the world. That was never her goal. Her goal was faithfulness first.
Do not seek success but faithfulness to God. Be faithful by emulating the life of His Son. By following His precepts. Loving and serving God and neighbor. Faithfulness is a wellspring of riches revealed in His Word.
First, faithfulness brings protection. Psalm 31:23 promises, “… for the Lord protects those who are loyal [faithful] to Him.” (TLB ) He protects our ways and guards our paths, deterring the hand of the evil one in our lives.
Secondly, faithfulness infuses us with strength. 1 Timothy 1:12: “I am grateful to Him who has strengthened me… because He considered me trustworthy [faithful]…” (NAB) He strengthens us on our journey, giving courage and spiritual vitality to do what He has called us to.
Finally, faithfulness’ promise is blessing. “The trustworthy [faithful] man will be richly blessed.” Proverbs 28:20 (NAB).
As faithlessness is unbearable poverty, faithfulness pays with the riches of God’s
kingdom like protection, strength, and blessing. Putting faithfulness first brings us true success.
Karen is a freelance Christian writer. Contact
