More Than A Sunday Smile: Living Faithfully Everyday

Photo by Caleb Oquendo

This morning, a line from a song by Jamaican reggae artiste Lovindeer came to mind. It speaks about people who live disconnected from God during the week – selfish, impatient, or ignoring His Word, and then show up on Sunday looking the part. Lovindeer sings,“One day Christian, six days a week they doing all kinda wrong, Sunday dress up inna white, Bible in their hand. Oh Lord! Them a one day christians.”

It’s a vivid image, and it makes me pause. The fact is faith is not meant to be compartmentalized. It’s easy to give God a day, and keep the rest for ourselves. We can sing, worship, and feel moved on Sunday, yet struggle to reflect Christ in our words, decisions, and attitudes from Monday to Saturday. The truth is faith was never meant to be scheduled. It was meant to be lived.

Scripture reminds us that following Christ is a daily commitment. Luke 9:23 says, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Notice the word daily; not weekly or occasionally. Daily. Our faith is measured not just by the moments we dress up or perform, but by the consistent choices we make when no one is watching.

One of the greatest misunderstandings is thinking that God measures us by our appearances. 1 Samuel 16:7 says, “…for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”

Before I continue, let me ask you this: Who are you when no one is watching? Who are you when it’s inconvenient to live right?

Being a “Sunday Christian” often comes from treating faith like a performance rather than a relationship. But a relationship with God doesn’t pause after the gathering of the church; it continues in how we speak to people, handle pressure, respond to temptation, and make decisions.

James 1:22 reminds us, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only…” Faith must flow into action.

Now let me be clear – consistency also includes gathering with other believers. Hebrews 10:25 instructs us, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is….

But we need to bear in mind that worship, fellowship, and accountability are not just weekly rituals. I read with a smile one morning a message in a WhatsApp Chat Group encouraging believers to attend a Thursday night Ministry meeting. The believer called on her fellow brothers and sisters to not only come “for coming sake”, or just because we would be expected to as believers. Her message was simple but powerful – come ready and willing to embrace the message from God’s word. Thats why we gather. We gather so that our hearts would be strengthened and we would get encouragement from the word of God to help us walk faithfully every day….Yes, Everyday!

So how do we move from being a “one day Christian” to living faithfully every day? Start with small, intentional steps. Begin each morning with prayer and reading God’s word. Pause during the day to check your attitude and actions. Reflect on your interactions. Are they rooted in love, patience, and humility? Attend gatherings of the assembly with the heart to learn, encourage, and to be encouraged. End the day with gratitude, acknowledging where God worked in your life and where you need growth. Over time, these steps transform a weekly pattern into a lifestyle of faith.

Ultimately, God desires authenticity more than performance. Sunday appearances cannot mask the choices of the other six days. When our hearts and lives align with Him consistently, faith becomes more than a habit; it becomes a natural, flowing part of who we are. Let every day reflect the love, patience, and integrity that we embrace at the Sunday service.

Being a follower of Christ is not a one-day event. It’s a daily journey. Let’s live it fully, every day.

Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew | Steps of Purpose

Nevertheless, Not My Will

There’s a quiet strength in that word nevertheless. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t demand attention. What it does is this….it carries the weight of surrender, the kind that doesn’t come easy.

The greatest example of surrender is seen in the Garden of Gethsemane. The Lord Jesus was facing the weight of the cross, He was honest about His anguish, yet chose surrender over self:

“Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”- Luke 22:42 (KJV)

It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t without struggle, but it was complete obedience. In that moment, the Lord Jesus showed us that true strength is not found in avoiding the hard path, but in trusting God enough to walk it anyway.

If we’re honest, many of us pray, we hope, and we plan. Here’s the thing though…deep down, we still want things our way – our timing, our outcome and our comfort. Surrender sounds good in theory, but when life presses in, it becomes something else entirely.

The reality is …. saying “not my will” means releasing control and you and I both know…that can be hard sometimes.
It means trusting when you don’t understand. It means letting go when you’d rather hold on. It means believing that God sees what you can’t, even when what you can see doesn’t make sense.

There’s a tension in that place. You feel it when doors close unexpectedly, or when prayers aren’t answered the way you hoped. When the path ahead feels uncertain and you’re standing there with more questions than clarity, you really feel it. That’s where “nevertheless” becomes real.

It’s not a word you say casually; it’s a decision you make deliberately.
“Lord, I don’t like this.” “Lord, I don’t understand this.” “Lord, this is not what I would choose…nevertheless, its not up to me, nevertheless you know best, nevertheless not my will but Thine be done.

In 1896, Judson W. Van DeVenter writes words which would be sung around the world for decades to come:

“I surrender all, I surrender all,
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

There’s something deeply powerful about surrendering to the Lord Jesus. It shifts your posture from resistance to trust and from anxiety to peace, not because everything suddenly makes sense, but because you’ve placed it into God’s hands.

Here is the truth: Surrender doesn’t mean you stop feeling. It doesn’t mean you ignore your desires or pretend everything is okay. It simply means you choose to trust God above your feelings.

Sometimes we think surrender is weakness. It feels like you are giving up, but in reality, it’s one of the strongest things you can do. You’re not giving up; you’re handing over. You’re saying, “God, I trust You more than I trust myself.”
That changes everything.

It changes how you walk through uncertainty. It changes how you respond to delays. It changes how you carry burdens that once felt unbearable because now, you’re not carrying them alone.

“Nevertheless… not my will” becomes a place of peace, not pressure, a place where striving ends and trusting begins.
And here’s the truth: God’s will is never designed to harm you. Even when it stretches you, even when it breaks certain expectations, it’s always working for something greater than you can see in the moment.

So today, whatever you’re facing – whether it’s a decision, a disappointment, or a delay, bring it honestly before God. Tell Him how you feel. Be real about what you want, but don’t stop there.

Surrender it all to Him – “nevertheless,
Lord its not my will but Thine be done.”

Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew |Steps of Purpose

When You Loosen Your Grip

Photo by Matheus  Ferrero

There’s something comforting about a steering wheel; it gives you a sense of control. Your hands are set, your eyes are forward, and for a moment, it feels like everything is in your power. You decide the direction, the speed, and the turns.

If we’re honest, that’s how many of us approach life. We hold on tightly. We plan, we calculate, and we anticipate every possible outcome. We tell ourselves it’s wisdom, responsibility, and even maturity. Beneath all of that, sometimes there’s something else driving us – fear.

Fear of the unknown…. Fear of losing control…..Fear of what might happen if we let go.

Here’s the quiet truth: if you’re gripping the steering wheel too tightly, you may not be allowing God to lead. Surrender and control cannot sit in the same seat.
It’s not that planning is wrong. It’s not that being intentional with your life is a problem, but when your grip becomes so tight that there’s no room for God to redirect you, guide you, or even slow you down, then what you call control may actually be resistance.

As Proverbs reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5 (KJV)

When we lean too heavily on ourselves, we leave little room for Him.

Sometimes we say we trust God, but our actions tell a different story. We pray, but we still try to force outcomes. We ask for direction, but we only want confirmation of what we’ve already decided. We say “lead me,” but we never loosen our grip.

Real trust requires release.

Think about it – guidance only works when you allow yourself to be guided. You can’t be led if you insist on being in control of every turn. You can’t experience His direction if you never create space for it.

As it is written in Jeremiah, “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV)

His plans don’t require your control; they require your trust.

Letting go doesn’t mean you stop caring. It doesn’t mean you become passive or careless. It means you acknowledge that God sees what you cannot. He knows the turns ahead, the roads that are blocked, and the paths that will lead you exactly where you need to be.

As Isaiah says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.” – Isaiah 55:8

There is a higher perspective at work, even when you don’t understand it and sometimes, the greatest act of faith is not moving forward, it’s loosening your grip.

It’s saying, “God, I trust You more than I trust my understanding.” It’s allowing Him to interrupt your plans without frustration to redirect your path without resistance, and to lead, even when it doesn’t make immediate sense.

We’re reminded in Psalm, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.” Psalm 37:23 (KJV)

The truth is when you insist on holding the wheel, you may end up exhausted, anxious, and overwhelmed trying to control what was never yours to control in the first place.

When you release, when you truly surrender, you step into a different kind of peace, not because everything becomes clear, but because you know Who is leading. A peace that reflects what the book of Philippians describes as “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding…” (Philippians 4:7)

So yes, holding the steering wheel too tightly doesn’t give you more control. It actually makes every small bump feel bigger and every slight turn harder to manage. In the same way, gripping life too tightly can exhaust your strength and keep you from flowing with the direction God is trying to lead you in.

Take a moment today to check your grip. Are you holding on out of trust or out of fear? If it’s fear, maybe it’s time to loosen your grip… and allow our Almighty God to lead.

Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew |Steps of Purpose

Coincidence or God’s Timing?

Have you ever had a moment that felt too precise to be random? You received a message just when you needed it or a door closed and somehow, another opened in a way you couldn’t have planned. Right at that moment you pause and wonder…
Was that just coincidence? Or Was that God?

We often use the word “coincidence” to explain what we don’t fully understand. It feels easier, more logical, and less demanding because if it’s just coincidence, then it doesn’t require anything from us – no response, no reflection, no surrender.

What if some of those moments aren’t random at all? What if they are carefully arranged and set in motion long before you ever arrived at that moment. Scripture reminds us in Ecclesiastes that “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Notice what it says – Everything,  not just some things or the big milestones. Everything is aligned within His timing, even when we don’t immediately see the beauty in it.

Yes, I am referring to that conversation you didn’t plan, the delay that frustrated you, the unexpected opportunity or even that “chance” encounter.

What if none of it was accidental? Could it be that what you’re calling coincidence is actually divine alignment? Here’s something even more sobering…

Sometimes, as believers, we pray for things earnestly, faithfully, and consistently. We ask God to move, to open doors, or to make a way.

And then He does….right in front of us but because it doesn’t look the way we expected or it doesn’t arrive with a clear label that says “ANSWERED PRAYER”… we miss it. We place it in the coincidence basket only to realize weeks or even months later…..“That was God.”That conversation was the answer. That delay was the protection. That unexpected shift was the direction we prayed for.

The truth is, God’s timing doesn’t always look obvious in the moment. It doesn’t always come with an announcement or a clear explanation. Sometimes it looks like interruption. Sometimes it feels like inconvenience. Sometimes it even comes disguised as disappointment.

But later, when you look back, you begin to see the pattern. You begin to realize that things didn’t just happen; they were positioned.As it says in Romans, “All things work together for good to those who love God.”

Yes, all things! All includes the ones that didn’t make sense at the time, the ones you questioned and yes, even the ones you almost dismissed.

Maybe that’s the shift we need to make.
A shift from seeing life as random events to recognizing the hand of God moving in ways we don’t always notice.

When you live believing everything is coincidence, you can miss the significance of the moment. However, when you begin to see through the lens of God’s timing, even the smallest details start to carry meaning.You become more attentive, more reflective and more aware that God is present not just in the extraordinary, but in the ordinary.

This doesn’t mean everything that happens may appear good immediately. Life still brings pain, confusion, and seasons that don’t make sense. But it does mean nothing is wasted. God has a way of weaving connections, delays, opportunities, and even setbacks into something purposeful.

Even when you don’t understand the process, you can trust the One who sees the full picture.

So the next time something lines up in a way you didn’t expect or something shifts, opens, or even closes, think carefully before calling it coincidence.
Look again. It just might be the very answer you’ve been praying for.

When you begin to see life that way, your perspective changes. You worry a little less, trust a little more and you become more attentive. You will soon begin to realize that nothing about your life is by chance. Our God sees and knows all things.

Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew |Steps of Purpose

Fruit of the Spirit Series: Final Reflection – One Fruit, One Life

The fruit of the Spirit is the evidence of a life being shaped by God from within.

As we come to the end of this journey through Galatians 5:22–23, one truth becomes clear: the fruit of the Spirit is not a list of separate qualities to achieve, but a single fruit expressed in many ways.

Love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are not independent traits we pick and choose from. They are all expressions of one life being transformed by the Holy Spirit. Where the Spirit is at work, these will begin to grow.

What stands out is that this fruit is not produced by effort alone. It is not something we force or manufacture through discipline or determination. It is the result of abiding or walking closely with God and allowing Him to work within us over time.

Each expression we’ve reflected on reveals something of the character of Christ. Love shows us His heart. Joy reflects His presence. Peace reveals His rule within us. Kindness and goodness demonstrate His compassion. Faithfulness reflects His consistency. Gentleness shows His humility. Self-control reveals His mastery over the flesh.

This is not about perfection. It is about progression.

There will be moments where growth feels slow or where certain areas seem harder than others. I have some encouraging news for you: Where the Spirit is present, transformation is taking place, even when it is not immediately visible.

The fruit of the Spirit grows in the hidden places of life. It develops in everyday moments, in quiet decisions, and in how we respond even when no one is watching. Over time, what is happening within us begins to be revealed through us.

So as we close this series, the call is not to strive harder, but to stay connected, to remain in God’s presence, to yield to His Spirit, and to trust that He is doing a deeper work within us than we can see.

In the end, the fruit is not about becoming better versions of ourselves; it is about becoming more like Christ.


Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew | Steps of Purpose

Fruit of the Spirit Series: Day 8 – Self Control

Self-control reflects a life governed by the Spirit, not ruled by impulse.

There’s something deeply revealing about self-control. It often shows most clearly in the moments no one else sees.

As a result of my deep dive into Galatians 5:22–23, I understand that self-control is not just about restraint; it is about surrender.

Self-control is discipline shaped by the Holy Spirit. It is the ability to say no to what pulls us away from God and yes to what draws us closer. It is not merely about behavior modification; it is about a heart that is being transformed from within.

Scripture reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” That speaks to a life that is not chaotic or driven by impulse, but one that is steady, guided, and anchored in Him.

Self-control shows up in everyday life in how we manage our words, our emotions, and our choices. It appears when we pause instead of reacting, when we resist temptation instead of giving in, and when we choose obedience even when it is difficult. It also shows up in the quiet decisions; the ones that shape who we are becoming over time.

The reality is, without the Holy Spirit, we are often led by what we feel in the moment. We may act out of anger, give in to pressure, or follow desires that lead us away from God’s will. When we allow  the Holy Spirit to lead us however, He produces a strength that enables us to choose differently.

This kind of control is not forced or rigid. It is not about suppressing everything we feel. It is about being led, having our desires, thoughts, and actions brought under the influence of the Holy Spirit rather than the flesh.

Self-control also reflects the nature of Christ. Throughout His life, we see perfect restraint, perfect obedience, and perfect alignment with the will of His Father. Even in moments of pressure, He remained steady, intentional, and surrendered. When the Spirit produces self-control in us, He is shaping us to mirror that same character.

The closer we walk with God, the more we begin to notice a shift, not just in what we do, but in what we desire. What once felt natural may no longer sit right, and what once felt difficult becomes possible through His strength.

So today, as we reflect on self-control, let us remember that it is not about trying harder; it is about yielding more.

A life led by the Holy Spirit is never out of control; it is beautifully governed by Him.

As we come to the final expression of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22–23, tomorrow, if the Lord tarries, we will take a moment to reflect on the full picture of what the Spirit is producing in us.

Join me as we bring this journey together and look at the beauty of one fruit expressed through a life transformed by God.


Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew | Steps of Purpose

Fruit of the Spirit Series: Day 7 – Gentleness

There’s something powerful about gentleness, though it is sometimes misunderstood. Gentleness reflects strength under control, shaped by the Spirit within us. It is not weakness, nor is it passivity.

As I continue to  reflect on Galatians 5:22–23, I realised that gentleness is strength that has been surrendered to God and guided by His Spirit. Gentleness is the ability to respond with grace when you have every reason to react otherwise. It is choosing patience over harshness, humility over pride, and compassion over control.

Like the other expressions of the fruit, gentleness is not something we manufacture; it is produced in us as we walk with the Holy Spirit. Scripture gives us a clear picture in Philippians 4:5 “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” The word “moderation” in Greek is ἐπιεικές which means gentleness.

That tells me something important. Gentleness is not meant to be hidden; it should be seen in how we live and interact with others.

How does Gentleness shows up in everyday life?

It shows up by how we speak to others, especially in moments of tension. It appears when we choose to correct with love instead of criticism, when we listen instead of reacting, and when we handle people with care rather than force. It shows up in how we treat those who are struggling, offering grace instead of judgment.

The truth is, it is easy to respond harshly. It is easy to raise our voice, defend ourselves, or prove a point. Gentleness, however, requires surrender. It requires us to yield our emotions, our reactions, and even our rights to the leading of the Holy Spirit. This is where His work becomes evident.

In our own strength, we may either become too aggressive or too passive. When we allow the Holy Spirit to work within us, He produces a balance – a quiet strength that does not need to dominate, yet remains firm and grounded in truth.

Gentleness also reflects the nature of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Throughout Scripture, we see a Savior who was firm in truth yet gentle in approach. He did not crush the weak; He lifted them. He did not silence the broken; He restored them. When the Holy Spirit produces gentleness in us, He is shaping us to reflect that same heart.

The closer we walk with God, the more our responses begin to change, not because we are trying harder, but because He is working deeper within us.
So today, as we focus on gentleness, let us remember that true strength is not found in force, but in surrender.


Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew | Steps of Purpose

Fruit of the Spirit Series: Day 6 – Faithfulness

Faithfulness reveals the consistency of what the Spirit is doing within us.

There’s something steady about the word faithfulness. It doesn’t shout for attention, yet it speaks volumes. As I reflected on Galatians 5:22–23, I began to see that faithfulness is not just about big moments of belief; it’s about remaining true over time.

Faithfulness is consistency. It’s showing up. It’s staying committed even when it’s not easy, not exciting, and not seen.
Just like the others, this is not a separate fruit. It is one expression of the same fruit, produced by the Holy Spirit, forming a life that reflects Christ in reliability and trustworthiness.

Scripture reminds us in 1 Corinthians 4:2: “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
That tells me something important. God values not just what we start, but how we continue.

Faithfulness shows up in everyday life by
staying committed to God even when emotions fluctuate or by keeping your word, even when it’s inconvenient. It shows up by continuing with prayer
even when answers seem delayed or
serving consistently, even when no one notices.

The reality is it’s easy to be passionate in the beginning. It’s easy to be committed when everything feels fresh and exciting. Faithfulness however is what remains when the feelings fade and the routine sets in. This is where the Holy Spirit does His work.

In our own strength, we can be inconsistent or we may start strong, then lose momentum. When the Spirit is at work within us however, He produces a steadiness, a grace to remain, to endure, and to continue.

Faithfulness also reflects the nature of God Himself. Over and over, Scripture shows us a God who is faithful, unchanging, dependable, and true to His Word. So when the Spirit produces faithfulness in us, He is shaping us to reflect His character.

The closer we walk with Him, the more our lives begin to reflect that same consistency –  not perfection or occasional effort, but persistence and ongoing commitment.

So today, as we focus on faithfulness, let us remember that God is not just looking for moments; He is shaping a life of consistency.

Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew | Steps of Purpose

Fruit of the Spirit Series: Day 5 – Goodness

Though it’s just one part of the fruit, goodness reveals the integrity of what the Spirit is doing within us.

There’s something about the word goodness that can feel familiar ….. almost too familiar. It’s easy to reduce it to simply “doing the right thing” or being a “good person.” The thing is ….. the more time I spent reflecting on Galatians 5:22–23, I realized that biblical goodness goes much deeper than outward behavior.

It’s not just about actions; it’s about alignment. It’s about a life where what we do on the outside matches what God is shaping on the inside. This is where it connects to the bigger picture.

Goodness isn’t something we produce on our own or isolate from the rest; it flows as part of the work of the Holy Spirit, forming a life that reflects Christ in both character and conduct.

Goodness has a unique weight to it.
It’s not just kindness or generosity; it’s moral integrity, a sincere desire to do what is right in God’s sight, even when no one is watching.

It’s easy to appear good outwardly, but true goodness, the kind the Spirit produces, flows from a heart that has been transformed. Scripture highlights this in Ephesians 5:9: “For the fruit of the light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.”

That tells me that goodness is not random; it is connected to a life that is walking in the light, aligned with God’s truth.

You may be wondering how does goodness show up in everyday choices. Here are just a few examples which comes to mind:

* Choosing honesty when it would be easier to bend the truth
* Doing what is right, even when it costs you
* Standing firm in your values without compromise
*Treating others fairly, with integrity and sincerity

Here’s what really stood out to me – Goodness is not just passive. It doesn’t just avoid wrong; it actively pursues what is right.

I want to be clear that this isn’t about trying to be a “good person” through effort alone. In reality, in our own strength, our goodness is limited. It can be inconsistent, influenced by circumstances, or even motivated by the wrong reasons.

True goodness is different. It flows from a heart that has been changed by the Holy Spirit. The amazing thing is when the Spirit is at work, goodness begins to shape not just our actions, but our intentions. We don’t just do the right thing; we begin to desire what is right.

This brings us back again to the foundation: This is not something we force; it’s something that flows from staying connected to the Spirit.

The closer we walk with Him, the more our lives begin to reflect His nature. Over time, what once felt difficult becomes part of who we are becoming.
So today, as we focus on goodness, remember God is not only concerned with what you do; He is shaping who you are.

Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew|Steps of Purpose

Fruit of the Spirit Series: Day 4 – Kindness

Kindness reveals the heart of what the Holy Spirit is doing within us. As I continue reflecting on the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22–23, I’m beginning to see that kindness is more than just being nice; it is a reflection of a heart that has been softened and shaped by God.

Just like the others, kindness is not a separate fruit. It is one expression of the same fruit, produced by the Spirit, working within us as a whole.

Kindness however, stands out in a special way. It’s love in action. It’s grace made visible. It’s what people often experience before they ever hear what we believe.

Kindness shows up in the small things like a gentle response instead of a harsh one, a helping hand when it’s inconvenient, choosing compassion over judgment or seeing people not just for who they are, but for what they may be going through.

The truth is, this kind of kindness doesn’t always come naturally. Sometimes we’re tired or frustrated. Sometimes people test our patience but when the Spirit is at work, He produces a kindness that goes beyond mood or personality.

Scripture reminds us in Ephesians 4:32: “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted…”

This shows us that kindness is not weakness; it’s strength under control, guided by compassion.

Here is something even more powerful:
Kindness reflects the very nature of God. Over and over in Scripture, we see His lovingkindness toward us even when we fall short. So when the Holy Spirit produces kindness in us, He is shaping us to reflect His character to the world.

Here’s what really stood out to me: Kindness is often most powerful when it’s undeserved. It’s easy to be kind to those who are kind to us,but Spirit-produced kindness goes further. It reaches people who may not expect it, and in doing so, it becomes a testimony of God’s work within us.

Once again, this brings us back to the foundation:
This is not something we try to force; it’s something that flows from a faithful walk with God. The more we stay connected to Him, the more our hearts begin to change. Before we even realize it, kindness starts to shape how we speak, how we respond, and how we see others.

So today, as we focus on kindness, let it be a reminder that you may never fully know the impact of a single act of kindness, but God can use it in ways far beyond what you see.

Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew | Steps of Purpose