Faithfulness

I have been looking at the beatitudes for the last few months, which are found in the fifth chapter of Matthew. As I said before, each beatitude starts with the word “Blessed” which you may recall can be translated "happy." This month, I am focusing Matthew 5:11-12.

"Blessed are you when they revile you and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matt. 5:11-12)

I want you to notice a unique characteristic of this beatitude. Look at how many times the word ‘you’ is used in these two verses. It is used four times. This is unique because in the other beatitudes, Jesus has been using 'THEY and THEIRS." When He starts talking about "YOU and YOURS." He is making this beatitude much more personal. What this beatitude tells me is, if I am a follower of Christ, persecution will come. Therefore: I NEED AN
ATTITUDE OF FAITHFULNESS. Committed Christians stay COMMITTED.

Faithful Christians stay FAITHFUL. Faithful church members remain faithful to their church. Faithful Christians remain faithful to Christ. Is it always easy?  NO!  Is it always worth it? YES!

You see God is faithful—even in our unfaithfulness—God is always faithful. Faithfulness is a Godly characteristic. Because faithfulness is a characteristic of God, to be faithful is to be Godly. When trials come—and they will—you are to remain faithful. In fact how do you know if you are faithful, unless you are tempted with unfaithfulness?

It is in those times of testing that your faithfulness is proved and that your faith is
exercised. You are tested by the trials of this world. Don't be surprised by it, it is bound to happen. Rejoice for God is getting you ready for greater things.

Let me just say this, “God's people support God's work.” Faithful Christians are faithful with their treasures. They are faithful with their money. They are faithful to support God's work. God has given you talents, abilities and spiritual gifts. Have you used them to help others?

He did not give you those talents just so you could make a living. He gave you those things so that you can help those around you.

In other words, your gifts are given to you for the good of all. The whole church is suppose to benefit from the Spiritual gifts God gives you. We are to look out for each other, care for one another, help each other and love one another. Faithful Christians are faithful with their abilities, faithful with their talents, faithful with those Spiritual gifts God has given them.

Once again: “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Matthew  5:11-12

If I am faithful, one day I hope to hear: "Well done my good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord."  (Matthew 25:23). 
                                                                              May God keep blessing JUMC.
In His Service, Ray Parish-Lay Leader