Becoming Faithful: Transforming Our Homes and Lives
In a world that constantly demands our attention and energy, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We often find ourselves caught in a cycle of busyness, neglecting the very practices that can bring depth and meaning to our lives. But what if there was a way to break free from this cycle and cultivate a life of faithfulness that transforms not just our own hearts, but our homes and communities as well?
The concept of faithfulness is rooted in the very nature of God. He is unwaveringly reliable, stable, trustworthy, steadfast, constant, and loyal. As we seek to emulate these qualities, we're invited to develop practices that align our lives with His character. This journey of faithfulness isn't about perfection, but rather about taking small, steady steps towards a life that reflects God's love and faithfulness in our homes, our church, our region, and our world.
But where do we begin? How do we cultivate faithfulness in both the seen and unseen areas of our lives?
The first step is to declare truth over ourselves, our homes, and our families. This begins with a powerful confession of faith, echoing the words of Joshua: "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15). This declaration sets the spiritual tone for our homes and lives, placing them under God's protection and guidance.
Next, we must develop the practices of Jesus in our own lives. Following Jesus means making ourselves available to learn from Him, becoming more like Him over time, and stepping out in faith to do the things He did. This isn't a boring or passive process – it's an invitation for Jesus to transform every part of our lives, heal our hearts, restore our relationships, and use us to impact those around us.
To help us on this journey, there are four key practices we can incorporate into our lives:
1. Prayer and Scripture Reading Daily: This is about making space each day to hear from God. Prayer, in its simplest form, is talking to God, while reading Scripture allows His word to speak into our lives. Studies have shown that those who read their Bible four or more times a week experience significant improvements in their spiritual well-being and mental health.
2. Sabbath Weekly: This is an invitation to lay down our work and trust that God is in control. It's a reminder that we are human beings, not human doings, and that our value isn't tied to our productivity. By setting aside one day a week for rest and focus on God, we align ourselves with His rhythm for our lives.
3. Fasting Twice a Month: Fasting is more than just abstaining from food – it's about devoting ourselves to God and making ourselves available to Him. It creates a spiritual hunger that reminds us we need God more than we need food. This practice can be powerful both individually and when done corporately as a church community.
4. Feasting with Others Monthly: This practice invites us to build a rhythm of celebrating and remembering God's goodness. It's about bringing people together, having an abundance of food, and recognizing that God is an abundant God who can meet all our needs.
These practices aren't meant to be burdensome or overwhelming. They're invitations to let go of lesser things so we can grasp hold of what's most important – our faithful God. The goal isn't to perfectly implement all of these practices overnight, but to take small steps towards faithfulness each day.
As we embark on this journey, we may face challenges. Our busy schedules, our habits, and our own resistance to change can all be obstacles. But the promise of Scripture encourages us: "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6). God is faithful to complete the work He has started in us.
It's important to remember that our trust in these practices and in Scripture itself ultimately stems from our trust in Christ. As Andrew Wilson beautifully put it, "I don't trust Jesus because I trust the Bible, I trust the Bible because I trust in Jesus. I love him and I've decided to follow him. So if he speaks and acts as if the Bible is trustworthy, authoritative, good, helpful, and powerful, I will too."
The impact of cultivating faithfulness extends far beyond our own lives. When we commit to these practices, we're not just changing ourselves – we're shaping future generations. We're building a legacy of character and faith that will outlast any material possessions we might leave behind.
Imagine a home where faithfulness is lived out daily, where children see their parents prioritizing time with God, where rest is valued, where fasting creates a hunger for God's presence, and where celebration and gratitude are regular occurrences. This is the kind of home that can transform a community and impact a region for the kingdom of God.
As we consider these practices, it's natural to feel a bit overwhelmed. The key is to start small. Ask yourself: What is one step I can take this week? Maybe it's committing to a Bible reading plan, or setting aside a day for Sabbath rest. Perhaps it's planning a feast to celebrate God's goodness with friends, or joining in a corporate fast.
Whatever step you choose to take, know that you're not alone on this journey. As we each commit to growing in faithfulness, we create a community of believers who are spurring one another on towards love and good deeds.
In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, cultivating faithfulness provides an anchor for our souls. It reminds us of the unchanging nature of our God and invites us to align our lives with His character. As we do so, we not only experience transformation in our own lives but become agents of change in our homes, our communities, and beyond.
So, let's take that first step together. Let's commit to becoming people who are found faithful – in the seen and unseen areas of our lives. For as we do, we'll discover the truth of Jesus' words: "Your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you" (Matthew 6:6). The journey of faithfulness awaits. Are you ready to begin?
