Be faithful
What images come to mind when you think of the word “faithful”? Here are a few that come to my mind:
- God has been faithful to me throughout my life.
- My grandpa loved my grandma for 58 years.
- Our former organist, Sis. Audrey, played at our church for over 50 years.
- My husband and I have been faithfully married for 36 years.
- I have a group of six friends who have remained faithful and committed to each other for about 30 years.
- My dog Daisy follows me everywhere – she is very faithful.
I’m sure you have many of your own examples of couples, individuals, groups, and pets who have remained faithful. According to Merriam Webster, being faithful means “steadfast in affection or allegiance : LOYAL.”
Being faithful implies sticking it out in hard times. Marriages that last aren’t problem-free. Couples don’t stay married because they have had an easy marriage with no difficulties, no tragedies, no conflict. Marriages that last involve two faithful people. Spouses who stay together in spite of the problems demonstrate faithfulness.
Being faithful implies perseverance. Without rewards, or praise, or recognition, those who are faithful keep on going – working, praying, loving, witnessing, writing. Faithful ones don’t give up when they aren’t noticed or when times get tough. They keep going.
Being faithful implies loyalty. Those who are loyal aren’t enticed by other, possibly ‘better,’ opportunities. They demonstrate loyalty by staying with their spouse, church, friends, job, neighborhood, ministry, or organization.
It seems to me the value, the critical importance, of being faithful has lost some its luster in 2019. It’s not fashionable. It’s not glamorous. It’s staid.
But I think being faithful is very admirable, extremely attractive, and necessary for relationships – with people and with God. It’s not easy to be faithful, and we can’t do it on our own. But the God who has been faithful to us, has modeled faithfulness, will enable us to be faithful to those people and ministries He has called us to. He will help us to persevere, to stick it out, to not give up.
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. 1 Thess. 5:23-24 ESV
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. Rev. 2:10 NIV
The world needs more of this quality, but it is only developed with God’s grace and enablement. A good reminder.
Amen, Luwana. Without God’s help it is nearly impossible to be faithful.
I lost a dear friend last night that exemplified what faithful means. She lost two children to death only one year apart and then suffered from a very progressive cancer the last few months but through it all her love for God and her faith remained intact and remained strong. This is an example of faithfulness. Good Word today.
Laurie, so sorry to hear about your friend’s death. And she experienced such great losses in her life. She is surely contented in Jesus’ presence now. You and her family are in my prayers.
Such a powerful message, Katie. I totally agree; marriages are not easy, but we can be faithful because God is faithful and will give us the strength we need in tough times.
Iris, how is your dear husband doing now?