Anymore, seems like we hesitate to trust others. Crime and road rage rise: can we trust others to be faithful to the laws? Marriages end too often: can we trust our spouses to remain faithful? People break their word: can we trust them to be faithful to their promises? Pastors and members switch churches for personal benefit: are we faithful to our commitment to the corporate body of Christ?
In our once-a-month series on the Fruit of the Spirit, we’re now at #7: “the fruit of the Spirit is…faithfulness,” from Galatians 5:22. But just what is it this concept? It means following through on what we’ve committed to. Being reliable. Keeping our promises. Not changing agreements to benefit ourselves. That impacts our marriages, our work settings, our overall relationships, our integrity. Our following God.
Faithfulness’ importance flows from God’s own nature that he wants to see in our character, “Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself” (2 Timothy 2:11-13).
All people should be faithful to commitments, but God expects it for those who trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord, “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). Get the idea that faithfulness matters to God?
Or, we realize faithfulness to God is essential for a life of faith to enhance his presence in us, “You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD,” (2 Chronicles 19:9). What commitments have we made to God? Do we keep them consistently? What behavioral changes have we committed to with Jesus as our Savior? Do we keep them consistently? If you’re uncertain about this, maybe start with what Jesus gave as the two foundational commands that all others flow from, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” Matthew 22:37-40). Or, are we consistent in showing acts of love to God and people?
This gives us a pretty good target for being faithful, doesn’t it? And note that the command to be faithful extends to other humans, not just fellow followers. Remember, Jesus taught that what we do to others, we do to him, in Matthew 25:40. Seems to me that faithfulness should be a web that connects to all dimensions of our lives.
Kick Starting the Application
Where do you most struggle with faithfulness? Why are you vulnerable there? What practical changes can you make this week?
PS This series is a quick synopsis of my first book, “Deep Down: Character Change Through the Fruit of the Spirit.” It’s out of print now, but I have some new copies that I can sign and send for just $8. Just let me know.
image from dreamstime.com