Why are you faithful? Has anyone ever asked you this question?  Have you ever asked yourself this question? I wonder what your answer is. I assume that some of us are worried about eternity and where we go after this life ends. Totally understandable. If given a choice between heaven and hell for all eternity, who wouldn’t choose streets of gold and praising God all day? 

I have gotten to a point where the afterlife has very little affect on my choice to be faithful. Ultimately, I think God’s got that part already taken care of—not in a predestination kind of way, but in a God’s own way for God’s own purposes. I believe love is at the center of it all for God.

The reason I am faithful also has little to do with other people. Doing acts of faith hopefully will have an impact on others, especially those who may be a direct recipient of a kind and faithful act from me. Yet, my faithfulness is not about making a difference for someone else.

I live in faith because I’m trying to make a difference for my own life.

When given the opportunity to help someone, and I choose not to, I am less whole. I don’t feel good about myself. I am less connected to God.

When given the opportunity to help someone, and I choose to help, I am more fulfilled. My confidence is affected, positively. I am more connected to God. 

And that is what this faith stuff is all about. Living in connection with God. The life and message of Jesus is so compelling that we who are faithful are ever seeking to be close to God like Jesus was close to God. Jesus’ command to love God and neighbor and self is totally wrapped up in this idea of connecting with God. And living that connection as much as possible. It makes a huge difference to who we are. And it makes a huge difference to the world.

In the here and now. 

May God keep us close. May we seek to be close with God. As much as possible.

See you soon!

Peace,

Kelly