I think one of the characteristics I value the most is faithfulness. Faithfulness–The consistency that someone shows in what they say and do. Faithfulness is this determined
direction in life though not done perfectly, is consistent. Faithfulness is when God helps us lead ourselves on God’s path.
One of the Fruits of the Spirit is faithfulness. As we are connected to the Vine, as we are connected to Jesus and walk in the Spirit, faithfulness is one of the facets of the
diamond called the Fruit of the Spirit that will be evident in our lives.
If you are a Christian, we all value the reality of God’s faithfulness. All of reality, literally depends on God being true to His Word.
True to your word is a great definition of what it means to be a faithful individual. That what you say and what you do, that what you believe and how you behave, that what
you promise and what you perform remains consistent.
When the Bible describes someone as faithful, it usually is not referring to how much faith a person has, but to how much faith others can place in that person. Faithfulness
develops only from the Spirit’s presence in our lives.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
CULTIVATE FAITHFULNESS
Psalm 37 was written by David:
“Trust in the Lord and do good; Live in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.” Psalm 37:3-5 (NASB)
In verse 3, we have instruction to devote ourselves to developing faithfulness until it becomes a part of us. The picture here is that the Spirit helps us devote ourselves to
developing faithfulness.
START WITH WHAT YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN
We have everything we need right now, right where we are now to start cultivating faithfulness. Jesus said it this way:
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” Luke 16:10 (NIV)
And as we depend on Jesus to be faithful with a little, He will entrust us with more.
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:23 (NIV)
Where we can start is with the people and responsibilities that Jesus has entrusted to us. The people and responsibilities that we have is where God wants us to trust Him.
As we dwell in the “land” where we are, we are to do good with the people there, where we live out, cultivate, and grow in faithfulness.
Faithfulness is the long look, the investment of a life that is directed toward others right where we are. Faithfulness will take time. Faithfulness will take determined
movement in God’s direction with people in the place where God has placed us.
If we commit to faithfulness, someday we will hear our Lord say to us:
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:23 (NIV)
