Unfaithful without realising it

Have you realised how little the topic of 'faithfulness' is mentioned in the media nowadays?

What gets the most attention in the 'lads mags', news articles, story-lines in the soaps, even the topic of conversation in the playground is about getting as many partners as possible, without any commitment. It's about pleasing the self as much as possible and not caring who gets hurt in the process. And many are following this path of destruction.

This is what is happening 'outside.' But what about what's happening within the 4 walls of the church? I mean in a Christian's life—YOU!

How faithful are you?  I'm not just talking about faithfulness to a past or present partner. More, have YOU been faithful to yourself—in your words and your deeds? What you say and what you do say a lot about who you are and how faithful you will be in any relationship.

Do you consider little white lies as something innocent to save you from getting into trouble? These little white lies eventually turn into the big lies that you thought you would never say.

Have people stopped relying on you as they can no longer trust a word you say. "I'll meet you at six", but even you know your six means eight, or even later. Not even your pastor can depend on your word anymore!

You do not stick to the promises you make to yourself. If you are not faithful and admit that you don't carry out what you said you would, then how will anyone else believe in you? "I will be a better listener," "I'm going to stop flirting," "I'm going to start attending Love Therapy and be faithful in my attendance" "I'm not going to put myself down anymore." These are just some of the empty wishes that roll off the tongue without any change accompanying them.

Faithfulness requires controlling the things you see and your thoughts so that they do not lead you to sin. Jesus said: "You have heard that it was said to those of old, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Matthew 5:27-28

So, are you faithful? The answer to this is not just towards a partner, or amongst friends or colleagues, but in your obedient behaviour towards The Invisible God. If you are honourable, sincere and faithful to His teachings, you will be the same towards others—especially your spouse.

"Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." Colossians 3:22-23