Focus MORE on Faithfulness!

Every baptized brother or sister wants to `do better' than before. We want to improve and advance in the knowledge and the service of the Truth. This is a worthy ambition. With this objective, outlook and hope, Paul states, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Paul also says, "This one thing I do, forgetting those things that are behind, I press forward to the goal...(Phil 3:13)

There is an enemy that get in the way! Paul terms it `flesh'. It gives rise to failure, frustration or perhaps, feebleness. It's from within ourselves and often arises from fear. Paul says, "I find another law (motivation) working in my members..." (Romans 8:19).

Temptation is everywhere, sin is a common result. This unfortunate situation comes directly from our forebears, Adam and Eve. No one, other than the Lord, has ever overcome or beaten it!

However, the reality is that we struggle even more, because we are determined (with a self-imposed mindset) to try to live `sinless lives' like our Lord did - a truly worthy goal, but hardly unachievable. I believe that `faithful lives' (not sinless lives) are what God really wants from us. Faithful lives can truly glorify Him.

Hosea 6:6-8 carries this message from God.

Now this is a goal or objective we can achieve. Jesus invites believers to strive for this goal. This is possible; we can be faithful and right to the end! "Be faithful to the point of death, and I will give the crown of life."(Rev 2:10) Abraham appears to have met this criteria.

Faithfulness is the fruit of a single-minded approach to a Godly life. "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." Jas 1:5. So let's try to focus more on faithfulness, less on sinlessness, encouraging one another to this end. This is the positive approach. Sadly, when sinlessness engages us ­ it's usually about another! You may well know the words of our Lord about motes and beams, specks and planks!

Faithfulness is singular and faithfulness is uniquely personal. Faithfulness honours God, pleases our Lord and is helpful to others. Let's be determined to focus more on achieving faithfulness. It will please God and generate a more peaceful mind.

Bro Neil Todd (New Zealand)