Are You Faithful?

Are you faithful? That's a vague question I know. Faithful to whom? Faithful to what? Faithful when, etc? But it is a question we must ask ourselves quite often.

We get a better understanding of the application of the word "faithful" when we look at what the dictionary says. Faithful: ( a.) Strict or thorough in the performance of a duty. (b.) True to one's word. (c.) Steady in allegiance or affection. (d.) Loyal, constant, reliable, trusted, or believed. Faithfulness is the quality and the characteristic of being faithful. 

Faithfulness is the key to success in any realm. Faithfulness says, "Not only will I commit, but I will stay committed!" Faithfulness says, "God is faithful, so I can be faithful." Some folks believe faithfulness is conditional. I'm so glad God doesn't think that. He's been so faithful to me and I don't really deserve His faithfulness. If God's faithfulness were conditional, even walking by faith would be futile, because some days He just wouldn't be there. But He is faithful (as the old Randy Stonehill song said), "Even when I'm not." 

Let's break down a few of those definitions above for faithfulness. Are you true to your word? Can people trust your word? Are you steady in your allegiance to God, your spouse, your family, your leader(s), your church, or employer? I'm just asking. Are you constant and reliable? Can you be trusted and believed? If you answered "yes" to these questions you are faithful...and you are a blessing to others!

Faithfulness is not hereditary, you must learn it and apply it. It must be cultivated and developed. "How can I develop and cultivate faithfulness?" you ask. Start with God as your example. Also look for humans that have developed faithfulness in their walk with Him. There's no doubt you will find faithfulness as a fruit of their life too. While there is a shortage of faithfulness among Christ-followers these days, there still are those who understand and walk in faithfulness. How do you notice them? Actually they stick out like a sore thumb!

Faithfulness always has as its target others. It is God's heart for people applied through people. Faithfulness is a major vehicle in which God's love is distributed to others. Faithfulness will cause folks to trust your character and to eventually trust God.

And finally, be faithful in the small things. The things that seem insignificant. The truth is those small things are not insignificant to the eyes of God. Jesus said, "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much..." (Luke 16:10a) If you can be trusted in the small things, God considers you faithful in the big things. Remember, faithfulness (see definitions above) is a very important key to your success.

Faithful Witness: The Life and Mission of William Carey By Timothy George / Vision Video Shoemaker, botanist, translator, preacher, factory manager- William Carey was all these things, but he is best known as the father of modern missions. From his humble beginnings in England to his missionary work in India during the early 1800s, his devotion to the Lord touched the lives of thousands of people. An inspiring biography that will lead you to strengthen your own commitment to Christ.