The apostle Paul writes, "therefore, if any be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away, behold all things have become new." As we do the will of God, many wonderful things will happen as God blesses us abundantly. Among the blessings faithful Christians receive are the peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:7); joy beyond measure (1pt 1.8), all spiritual blessings (Eph 1:3); redemption, forgiveness, salvation (Titus 2:11-14); and above all, heaven (Mat 6:20;Jn 14:2; 2Cor 5:1). These passages indicate that God's blessings are for those Who are faithful and committed. Revelation 2:10 says, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life". How can a Christian stay faithful?
THINGS THAT ARE NECESSARY FOR US TO BE FAITHFUL
■ Spiritual Growth.
As new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby (1Pt 2:2). We need to fill our heart and life with the word of God. Those who continually exercise themselves in serious study and learning of the Bible and using the same always in their lives will grow in Christ but those who do not grow will not make heaven.
■ Church Attendance:
The faithful Christian should make an earnest effort to attend all the services of the church. Worship services and Bible classes are sources of fellowship with other Christians. Participating in both of these and other activities and efforts of the church adds strength to one's spiritual life. As the writer of Hebrew says, "not forsaking the assembly of ourselves together as the manner of some are, but exhorting one another and so much more as you see the day approaching. (Heb 10:25).
In a general sense, great strength is absorbed not only from worship services and Bible study but also at places and time when the church gets together to fellowship.
■ Prayer.
Of most important is the Christian's payer life. Prayer is the vital breath of a Christian. James 5:6 says, "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availed much." Hence, we are told in the book of 1Thess 5:17, that we should pray without ceasing. We should be in the attitude of prayer continually. Pray for others and the Lord's work in his vineyard. Matt 9:37.
■ Giving.
God's rule are that it be regular and that it be planned. 1Cor 16:1,2 speaks of the regularity and the planning of giving. When we give to the Lord, he blesses us more and with his blessings comes more trust and obedience to his words. We should also minister to others. Matt 25:31-46 shows that those who minister to the needs of others are rewarded graciously and abundantly by the judge of all mankind.
■ Living a holy life.
"Wherefore come out from among them and be he separate said the Lord, touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you". Christians are described as "earthen vessels which must be purged to be suitable for the master's use and prepared for every good work. Christians are the temple of the living God. Just as God will not dwell in an unclean temple, so also will he not make use of dirty vessels. An impure or immoral person cannot exert a Christian influence on those around him or her. Only the clean, pure and moral according to biblical standards can serve God acceptably and gain heaven as the eternal home.
CONCLUSION
we should always be ready at all time to do the work of God knowing that we shall receive a crown of life on that great day.
May the Lord bless his word in our hearts in Jesus name, Amen!