As you strive to live a faithful life, there are some characteristics that will help you to continue to live a faithful life. You need to be faithful to the life that God has called you to. It might not look like others but it is your life. Live your life as a faithful life.

In writing to the Corinthians Paul writes these words, “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” I Corinthians 4:2. We are God’s stewards and so we need to be found faithful.

Here are four characteristics that will help you to continue to live a faithful life. May you hear the words of our loving Father say, “well done good and faithful servant.”

What joy we will have on that day as we realise that we have done what God has called us to do?

Contentment for Faithful Living

Think with me for a minute about the opposite of contentment. What happens when you are not content? You are frantically busy as you try to do more. There is a feeling of frustration as you deal with limited time and resources. You might feel that you have never done enough. I am sure you could add some other feelings to this list.

Jeremiah Burroughs in his classic book, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment gives this definition of “Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.” (page 19)

Contentment is learned. It is a discipline. It is not something that comes naturally. Naturally, you want more, you want better, and you want the new one, and honestly, you just want everything you desire. Paul is very clear in Philippians 4:12-13 that contentment is learned. You can learn to be content.

Contentment requires surrender. I surrender my wishes and desires to God and rest knowing that he knows what is best. Surrender is not easy but when you have confidence in God it is easier.

As you are content, you are at peace. You have the sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit that Burroughs is referring to. Life is not frantic but paced and peaceful. Life is not chaotic but calm. Contentment fills your heart.

With contentment, you can be faithful to what God has called you to do. You are at peace and growing in faithful living.

Perseverance for Faithful Living

Faithful living requires perseverance. You can’t quit. You keep going with what God has called you to do even when there are obstacles in the way.

Nehemiah is an example of someone who persevered. God called him to lead the exiles in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. It was not an easy task. He needed to be released from his current position as the King’s cupbearer. The king grants permission and even gives letters and help. When Nehemiah arrives in Jerusalem, there are obstacles. It gets to the point that to finish the job the men must work with his sword strapped to his side. (Nehemiah 4:13).

Keep going with what God has called you to do even when it is difficult and hard. Don’t quit, persevere.

Focus for Faithful Living

Have you ever had one of those days when you just were not focused? I find that on days like that I just don’t stay on task or get the things done that need to be done. I wander around but don’t get much done.

If you want to live a faithful life, you need to be focused. What is the goal? The goal should be to hear the words, “well done good and faithful servant.” The goal is to be a steward of what God has given you.

How do you reach the goal? You stay focused and don’t allow things to distract you. Know what God is calling you to do. It is probably different than your friend. Remove the things that distract you. It might be cutting back on social media or unsubscribing to a magazine. Fight to stay focused.

Distractions will come but you need to remain focused on what God has called you to do.

Gratefulness for Faithful Living

Gratefulness is learning to be thankful for what you have. In many ways that is like contentment. Gratefulness is showing appreciation for what has been done. Are you grateful to God for what he has done for you? Are you grateful for the ways that he sustains you each day?

Gratefulness is a heart attitude of just being thankful but communicating that appreciation to others. It might be an individual who has helped you or it might be God who has been your help.

Practice thankfulness and it will help you be faithful in your life.

Faithful living is not easy at times. It requires work from us but as we remember the goal it will be easier.

 

Here are some other posts about faithful living:

Questions about Faithfulness

Fruit of the Spirit – Faithfulness

God is Faithful – 6 Verses about Faithfulness

How to Remain Faithful in a Crisis

 

Do you have a characteristic to add to this list? Leave a comment below.