Embracing the Ordinary: The Beauty of Everyday Faithfulness
In a world that often values grand gestures and extraordinary feats, it’s easy to overlook the beauty of everyday faithfulness. Yet, it’s in the ordinary moments of life that we have the greatest opportunity to cultivate a deep and abiding relationship with God.
Perseverance Reveals True Faith
“Perseverance reveals the fruit of true, saving faith,” writes Glenna Marshall. “It is both an exercise of genuine faith and evidence of it.” This truth reminds us that our faith is not just about grand professions or dramatic conversions, but about the daily decisions we make to follow Jesus.
Faithfulness is an Everyday Calling
Marshall notes that “faithfulness is an everyday calling. It’s regular, it’s ordinary, it’s taking a really long view of the Christian life.” This means that our faithfulness is not just about what we do on Sundays or during special events, but about how we live our lives every day.
The Power of Daily Habits
Our daily habits have the power to shape our lives and our faith. Marshall encourages us to “build your life around practices that keep you connected to Christ, his gospel, and his church.” By doing so, we can ensure that our faith is not just a passing fad, but a deep and abiding part of who we are.
Learning to Treasure Christ
When life gets tough, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s truly important. But Marshall reminds us that “if we fasten ourselves to Christ when life is a sinking ship, then we learn to treasure him as our anchor.” This is the key to finding peace and stability in the midst of chaos.
The Impact of Our Faithfulness
Our faithfulness doesn’t just impact our own lives; it also affects those around us. Marshall notes that “our spiritual disciplines don’t just benefit us. We don’t follow Jesus in isolation. Our growth and our perseverance also encourage growth and perseverance in our brothers and sisters in Christ.”
Starting Over
We all fail at times, but Marshall encourages us to start over fresh each day. “Jesus isn’t standing with his arms crossed and a disapproving glare,” she writes. “He loves you, and he paid the penalty for your sins on the cross.” This truth gives us the courage to get back up and keep moving forward.
The Source of Contentment
In a world that often values instant gratification, it’s easy to lose sight of the value of waiting. But Marshall reminds us that “when we seek to abbreviate God-ordained waiting, we lose an opportunity to learn that he is the source of contentment.”
Abiding in Christ
Our faithfulness is not just about what we do, but about who we are in Christ. Marshall notes that “the way you abide in Christ today is the way you had to abide in Christ yesterday, and the way you will abide in him tomorrow.” This truth gives us the confidence to rest in Christ’s presence, no matter what life brings.
Obedience and Joy
Finally, Marshall reminds us that obedience to Christ’s commands may not always begin with joy, but it will end with joy. This truth gives us the motivation to follow Jesus, even when the road ahead seems uncertain.
Faithfulness that Points to Christ
Our faithfulness is not just about us; it’s about pointing others to Christ. Marshall notes that “our faithfulness announces to the world that Jesus is worth every drop of our devotion.” May we live our lives in such a way that others see the beauty of everyday faithfulness and are drawn to the Savior.
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