Living the Dream: Cultivating Faithfulness

A key aspect of cultivating faithfulness in the Christian life is to remember that faithfulness flows out of faith. In others words, faithfulness is produced by the Lord at work within us, rather than our own efforts. Or, to put it yet another way, faithfulness is cultivated through dependence rather than independence.

There are two passages from the New Testament that do a really good job of showing how faithfulness is God-based, not us-based; the first is Galatians 5:16-26 and the second is 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24.

To explore each of these passages, try following the steps below:

1. In each of these passages multiple aspects of faithfulness are listed, some of them as things we are commanded to do, some as things we are NOT to do, and some as character traits that are intended to define us as followers of Christ. For each passage, make a list of all these aspects of faithfulness.
2. Each of these passages also communicate HOW the above aspects of faithfulness are to be generated in our lives, focusing on who God is and what he does. List each phrase that points to God as the source of our faithfulness.
3. Offer a prayer to the Lord based on your lists. Are there certain aspects of faithfulness you desire to see more of in your life? Are there sinful activities in these lists that you have pursued that you need to confess? Are there temptations you need to be on guard against? Are there truths about who the Lord is and/or what he has done or will do that you can praise and thank him for? Communicate each of these categories to the Lord as you pray.
4. 
   

One last thing: try working through these passages with your children. Could be a fun time of family Bible study!