Unfaithfulness

Sometimes we are not faithful. We simply don't trust God.

To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue. All a person's ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD. (Proverbs 16:1-2 NIV)

Perhaps the lack of trust can be found in our own minds and hearts. We want what we want, regardless of what God wants. When we battle inside, we don't let God win. So, the struggle goes on and on. We don't trust God, so we are not filled with faith in God. We put faith in our own plans instead.

It is a sin to despise one's neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy. Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness. (Proverbs 14:21-22 NIV)

Sometimes we don't have faith in God's design for relationships. We know we are supposed to love our spouse, our children, our parents, or just our neighbor, but God just doesn't seem to get it. "If God knew what I had to put up with, it would be different," we reason. We think that our relationship problems are too big for God to fix, or that God simply doesn't concern himself with such things. If He did, he would make that other person change their ways. The bad relationship, then, makes us waiver in our faith. We are not full of faith in God's design for relationships.

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices--mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law--justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. (Matt. 23:23-24 NIV)

Sometimes we are simply not willing to pass our faith along to others.  We're OK with going to church on Sunday.  We love the music and even enjoy the preaching.  Just don't ask us to give money, though, and definitely don't ask us to invite a friend or share our faith.  We have other things to worry about that are more important to us today.  We don't trust God to take care of those things when we faithfully seek his kingdom and righteousness.  So, we are not faithful in passing along our faith.

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. The LORD works out everything to its proper end-- even the wicked for a day of disaster. The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided. When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone's way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them. (Proverbs 16:3-7 NIV)

So, how about you?  Are you faithful?  Or do you struggle with trusting God in your own mind and heart, in your relationships, or in passing your faith along?  Are you ready to turn to God in those places you are unfaithful?