Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:12-18

Sometimes we make the Christian life more complicated than it needs to be. We think that what God cares about most is that we read our Bibles, go to church, tithe, and live good moral lives. It’s not that these aren’t good things or that they don’t help us grow in our relationship with God, but God has always cared more about our attitude than our activity. (Cf. Ps. 51:17; Mark 12:33) God looks at the heart, not just our external behavior; and what seems to please God the most is a heart that values faithfulness.

The reality of life is that most of us vastly underestimate the impact of faithfulness. Many of us want to do great things and be great, but God wants us to be faithful—faithful in our workplaces, faithful in our marriages, faithful in our friendships, and faithful in our churches. Faithfulness looks like doing right things with right attitudes. Faithfulness might not always be flashy, but it certainly stands out. Because in a world where complaining and critical hearts are the norm, God’s people—committing to a lifestyle of gratitude and faithfulness—actually look countercultural. It’s through our faithfulness in the little things and the ordinary things of life that God says His people shine in this world.

What does faithfulness look like in your studies, work, relationships, and church life? Are you often led to complain about your circumstances? Or, being rooted in God’s love and grace, are you known for a heart of gratitude? Spend time praying that God would grow a heart of gratitude and faithfulness in every arena of your life, and in all these ways, see your life shine more brightly for God.