Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

What does it look like to be faithful? What does it look like to serve God the way He intended? In 3 John 1, John speaks about a friend who is being faithful in his work for Christ. But he also speaks of Diotrephes, who seems to have lost his way in serving in the church and instead is called out for putting himself first.

What is our role as individuals who make up the body of Christ, His church? It’s an important question for each of us to answer. Is it to argue over the paint color of the sanctuary? Is it to complain about the music? The children’s classes? Or maybe even the order of the service? Sometimes, along the way, the evil one uses tactics to take us away from God’s true purpose. Denominations, order or service, music style, and even clothing requirements are all man-made.

God calls us to be faithful by worshipping! Psalm 98:4 says, “Make a joyful noise to the Lord.” He calls us to be faithful in serving. 1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” He calls us to be faithful by choosing to love and care for people. James 1:27, Isaiah 1:17, Acts 20:35, and of course, the Great Commission- where we are told to go tell everyone about the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Faithfulness is serving others. You can find fault in any church. Instead, choose to use the church God has placed you in to do His will and influence people for Him. That includes the Pharisees, the unchurched, and the Christians.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Prayer: God, give me the strength to be faithful to Your will for my life. Help me to stay away from the delusion of man-made trivial issues and focus instead on issues of eternity. In Jesus' name, amen.