JULY 2020
LEGACY OF FAITHFULNESS
Posted by: Bishop Jonathan Sturm

Profound moments for a minister occur while providing soul care to a dying person. Often the question is asked, “Am I faithful enough for the Lord?”. That this is perhaps one’s final question is in itself, to me, evidence of faithfulness.

Our time at home during the global coronavirus pandemic gives opportunity to run through a checklist:
  • Let God speak to me (read the bible, listen to services)
  • Pray to God
  • Demonstrate my faith (apply Jesus’ teachings, belief in His return)
If faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, then we have had plenty of opportunities to demonstrate our faith. After all, who watches us read the bible, attend on-line services, pray, or do anything to demonstrate faith? Likely not many, if any, outside our home. But God sees all. He sees your faithfulness as true and sincere. What has been done, has been done for Him and not anyone else.  

God watches over our faithfulness to Him so that it does not break: “…God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10: 13). The Holy Spirit produces the power of faithfulness in us. All we have to do is let Him in.

Falling backward into someone’s arms, while hard to do, is quite exciting! Trusting on this level takes practice and a plunge!  But the feeling of complete trust is liberating when you know someone cares deep enough to save you. Fall into God’s arms. Bring any concern to Him. Trust completely and watch the freeing effects of God’s help in your life. 

How will your legacy of faithfulness be remembered long after you are gone? Only you can answer that question but Christ assures us of our greatest legacy: “…Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2: 10)

Previous articles in the Fruit of the Spirit series include Love and Joy (District Elder Emery Jan 15/20), Peace and Longsuffering (Bishop Voeun Mar 1/20), and Kindness and Goodness (Bishop Jansen Jun 1/20).
 

 

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