In my opinion, one of the greatest compliments that could be paid a person is that they are faithful Christians and servants of the Lord. The Bible says of Moses in Hebrews 3:5 that he “verily was faithful in all his house.” That is a great testimony for any Christian.
Paul spoke of himself as a faithful servant in 1 Timothy 1:12: “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.”
One of the expectations of Christians and servants of God is that they be faithful. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 4:2, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” One of the goals of our spiritual life ought to be that one day we will hear the Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).
The title or testimony of faithfulness cannot be purchased. It is a testimony that is earned and achieved by the kind of life and service you give to the Lord. Again, it ought to be our goal to be found faithful.
FAITHFUL MEMBERS
Paul says in Titus 3:14, “And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.” The “ours” speaks of the members of the Church. Paul speaks of members as being:
Faithful Workers
Members are to “maintain good works.” Maintaining has the idea of faithfulness. Christians are to be workers and they are to be faithful workers.
When Paul speaks of learning to maintain good works, he is talking about how Christians are to learn and come to the understanding that serving God and being a Christian worker is part of the Christian life. Some have the idea that the pastor and church staff are to do the work. They have a work, but they are not the only ones that are to be working. Every Christian is to be a worker.
In fact, Paul speaks of “necessary uses.” He is talking about pressing needs that exist and how Christians are to learn to assist in these pressing needs. The idea is that the needs are so great it is beyond the pastor’s ability to meet those needs. Therefore, members assist and are involved in the meeting of these needs.
When it comes to the work of God EVERYONE is needed. The work is so great that it is impossible for one person (pastor) to meet those needs. Every Christian is to use their spiritual gifts and abilities in God’s work so such needs are met.
Are you a WORKER? Paul’s words to Titus indicate that every Christian is come to the understanding they are to be workers. I am to work, you are to work and we are to be faithful workers.
Someone has written, “Last Sunday, I voted to close the church. Not intentionally, not maliciously, perhaps, but carelessly, thoughtlessly, lazily, indifferently, I voted. I voted to close its doors that its witness and its testimony might be stopped. I voted to close the open Bible on its pulpit—the Bible that has been given to us by years of struggle, and by the blood of martyrs who died that we might have it to read. For, you see, I could have gone and I should have gone, but I didn't. I stayed away from church last Sunday.”
You could say that if you do not work, you are also casting a vote to close the Church. There are faithful workers, but also Paul speaks of:
Fruitful Workers
In verse 14 he speaks of members “that they be not unfruitful.” Faithfulness leads to fruitfulness. Jesus said in John 15:8, “Herein is my Father glorifed, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” Fruitfulness is to characterize the life of the Christian.
I once came across what is called the Christian’s Garden: First, plant five rows of peas:Preparedness, Promptness, Perseverance, Politeness, and Prayer. Next to them plant three rows of squash: Squash Gossip, Squash Criticism, and Squash Indifference. Then five rows of lettuce: Let us be Faithful, Let us be Unselfish, Let us be Loyal, Let us be Truthful, Let us Love One Another. And no garden is complete without turnips: Turn up for Church, Turn up with a Smile, Turn up with Determination.
Some Christian lives are more like a desert than a garden. As Christians we are to live fruitful lives and produce spiritual fruit. The spiritual fruit Paul primarily had in mind is the lives of others. Winning people to Jesus is bearing fruit. Ministering to others and helping them is bearing fruit. Being used of God to help others grow in the Lord is bearing spiritual fruit.
Are you faithful?
Are you faithful to God’s work?
Are you fruitful?
Is your Christian life bearing spiritual fruit?
Paul closes his letter with verse 15, “All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.” He is saying, everyone that is with me, we salute you that are faithful.
Can you be saluted for being faithful?
