Thursday, July 9, 2020

found in faithfulness

What is faithfulness?  I am often impressed when someone is described as faithful. I have heard a spouse described as faithful, or an employee called faithful. In the church world, faithfulness is a wonderful attribute. God himself, is called faithful.  We say and sing "Great is Thy faithfulness."

They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:23 KJV

The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is full of examples of men and women whom were considered faithful. They are heroes of faith. They were found faithful in the eyes of God. They were not perfect, but they were described as full of faith.  

So, what is faithfulness? Merriam Webster Dictionary defines faithfulness as    1 : steadfast in affection or allegiance : loyal a faithful friend. 2 : firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty : conscientious a faithful employee. 3 : given with strong assurance : binding a faithful promise.

It is a binding promise, showing yourself faithful, loyal, constant and steadfast.  

Why do we want faithful people and why should we strive to be faithful? 
Someone who is faithful is someone on which we can depend. We want to know that they will be there, keep their word and follow through.  We know they are reliable and do their best to do what they say.  We want those kind of people in our lives. We want to be married to  a faithful person. We want a spouse who is constant,  loyal, and steadfast.   Businesses want faithful employees who will be there and do their best to work and support the business. Churches, groups, and communities are blessed by the faithful members who are there,  steadfast, and always show up to help, support, and do what is needed.

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
1 Corinthians 4:2 KJV

It is the same with God.  He is faithful. He is loyal, dependable, steadfast,  and constant. He never changes. He is the same, yesterday,  today, and forever. ( Hebews 13:8) He is ever faithful.
We as a Christian, should also be faithful. Saying we are a Christian is to say we are trying to be like Christ. Christ is faithful so we should also strive to be faithful.  We need to be faithful in service to others, faithful in our lifestyle, faithful in prayer,  faithful in study of His word, faithful in love of others, faithful in worship,  faithful in attendance to church, and many other areas.  We need to be steadfast,  constant and loyal. We need to be dedicated and trustworthy. We should be someone that when others think of us, faithfulness should come to mind.  We should demonstrate faithfulness as God is faithful.  

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
Luke 16:10 KJV

Are we always able to do so? No, we are only human. But, we do need to strive toward being better than we were before. We do need to work toward being more faithful and more like Christ. We do need to ask God to help us and work on our hearts to change us and mold us more into His image. Faithfulness to Him and His purpose will become a part of who we are through His leading.  

His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.
Matthew 25:21 KJV

It is pleasing to God when he finds us faithful. Is it always easy to be faithful? No, we have human bodies that tire, minds that wonder, hearts that are fickle at times. We have to put aside things we desire to allow God to use us and to do work that He is asking of us. Faithfulness involves setting aside self for others. Faithfulness is rooted in love for God and for others. It is a choice to put God first and put others before self.  It is a chosen action that at times can be hard. It is, however, worthy and rewarding. The more you  choose to be faithful, the more you realize that God is working in you and through you. 

And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
Hebrews 11:39 KJV

There are blessings for the faithful that only God can give.  Strive for faithfulness, strive to be faithful. Ask God to help you be found as faithful. I pray to be found faithful in the eyes of God.  







 


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