The Unique Quality Of A True Disciple
Moreover, it is (essentially) required of stewards that a man should be found faithful (proving himself worthy of trust). 1Corinthians 4:2 AMP
Today we will look at what I would describe as the unique quality of a true disciple. This quality as can be inferred from the opening scripture is called, Faithfulness. There are many nice qualities a disciple may have which we can list out, but the one which stands out as a recurring theme throughout the scripture about the disciple God approves is faithfulness. This is the quality that makes God dependable. And I dare say that any disciple not found faithful is not regarded as a true Son in God’s kingdom.
I looked up the word, faithfulness and loved the Wikipedia definition which states that it refers to, the concept of unfailingly remaining loyal to someone or something, and putting that loyalty into consistent practice regardless of extenuating circumstances. Wow! No wonder Paul told Timothy in 2Timothy 2:2 that “the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” The quality that differentiated Abraham was his faith (fulness) regardless of extenuating circumstances and he is called the Father of faith. In Hebrews 3:2-6 the bible describes Moses and our Lord Jesus Christ as Faithful.
Isn’t it amazing that God is not looking for dark or white, tall, intelligent, handsome/beautiful, tongue-talking, fluent, educated, smart …, people but the main specification He wants is faithfulness. We all want faithful people who can stick by us through thick and thin. A faithful person is consistent and diligent no matter. But God requires this because it takes a faithful disciple to pass the message exactly the way it was given without adding their own opinion. Faithfulness is in the nature of the believer, however it has to be cultivated and practiced to that point where nothing shakes us concerning our creed.
How would you rate your faithfulness to the God’s calling on your life? This is a question, I am asking myself too. Are there abilities (no matter how small you think it is) you have, that can contribute to the expansion of the kingdom of God to the world around you? Start today to put it to good use. This platform is a great place to start. You can get in touch with us and we can work together to fulfil it. Remember, he/she that is faithful in little is faithful in much.
Your thoughts and questions are always welcome.My love to you as always.
- 6 Replies
Wow, amazing!
But how can we cultivate faithfulness ? Sometimes things are looking different from what God told us through His word and we tend to think that God forgot us..
Could you share some ways to develop and cultivate that Kingdom requirement? Does it come from understanding the Word of God?
Thank you ?
Thank you Jeff for bringing up this remarkable issue in the discussion. I can relate through several experiences on this and I’m sure others here have experienced same. It can be challenging to feel as though you’re abandoned by God in challenging times.However, I have found that it is those circumstances that bring out the best in us.James 1:2-4 tells us to count it all joy when we go through diverse test and trials because the trials of our faith cultivates patience and patience having her perfect work in us makes us perfect and entire, lacking in nothing. In essence trials or difficulties, discipline us to become the best God wants us to be. Even in our worldly education, you don’t get Masters or any degree by waltzing through the school. The tests or exams prove your knowledge to determine if you deserve the certificate. We may not like it initially but it makes us strive to perfection in our disciplines.
Consequently faithfulness is not gotten by confessing to possess or known when the going seems good, but cultivated through our daily challenges like when you don’t feel like praying, studying God’s word, fellowshipping with believers, or even feel offended etc… but you keep at it,holding unto the word of God like David said in Psalms 23, that eventhough he walks through the valley of the shadow of death he will fear no evil because he knows God is with him; then you triumph and grow into new levels of grace because you have proven that God can trust you not to walk by your feelings but by faith. Thats true Christian growth. Fair weather disciples are not true sons but children. God is raising us to be true sons if the kingdom and thats who we are and He will never abandon His own!Hallelujah.
It is interesting to note that Paul said commit these only to faithful men who are able to teach others. Discipleship requires a sense of responsibility. Often, people just want to hear without any intention to be stewards of what is being committed to them. No wonder Jesus will separate his core disciples from the crowd and begin to teach them kingdom principles not available to everyone else. Jesus said “to whom much is given, much is required.” May the Lord give us the capacity to be trustworthy and faithful disciples.
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