God’s Diplomats: Conduct Code (Faithfulness)
Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.
Proverbs 3:3-4 (ESV)
Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, who keep the Commandments of God and hold fast to their faithfulness in Jesus…
Revelation 14:12 (ISV)
If faithfulness is being filled with faith,
So that our minds, mouths and moves show our faith,
So that we love God first, no matter what,
So that we keep His Word, no matter what,
So that we keep our word, no matter what…
Then we’re Christ’s dependable diplomats:
Destined to please God and influence men.
If love and faith might be called a necklace,
Visible proof of our role and status,
External evidence of our Homeland,
Where citizens all wear the same necklace,
And visitors can’t help but notice them,
Because they’re shiny and unusual…
Then we’re inspiring them to think of God.
If faithfulness is written on our hearts,
In the eternal Blood of Jesus Christ,
Which won’t wash out or wear off over time,
If we hold fast to faithfulness in Him,
Through trials and temptations to let go,
Through blood, sweat, and tears, through days, months, and years…
Then we’re truly ambassadors for Christ.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ: Maybe some of you are somewhat like me…
You can forget to put on God’s necklace,
You can lose your grip on the Hand of God,*
Your faithfulness may not be apparent…
To other people, nor even yourself.
But if you confess your doubts and weakness,
You can repent and be restored by God!
Know this: Part of your ambassador role, a big part that makes you relatable… to your Christian kin (and to outsiders)… is showing that you’re a work in progress—that God IS faithful, even when we’re not: ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness’ (1 John 1:9).
* P.S. If our grip on God’s Hand starts to fall short, His grip on our lives will NEVER let go. ‘Of those whom You gave Me, I have lost none’ (John 18:9).
God’s Diplomats: Conduct Code, Faithfulness (Part 10)