There are characteristics I want people to see in me. Compassion, a willingness to forgive and dependability, to name a few. Another is faithfulness. I want people to think of me as a faithful, or loyal, friend. I also want to be known as one striving to live faithfully in my relationship to God.
Faithfulness is required of those outside of Christ (Hebrews 11:6). The source of faith is in hearing “the word of God” (Romans 10:17). A careful study of God’s word causes me to see repentance is an essential element of the required faith (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30). Repentance must be followed by appealing to God to clean my conscience in baptism (1 Peter 3:21).
Faithfulness is also required of Christians. Their faithfulness will compel them to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2; Mark 16:15). God’s people are humble servants, planting and watering while waiting for God to give the harvest (1 Corinthians 3:5-7). Those who fail to warn others will be punished (Ezekiel 33:7-9). So, Paul told the Ephesian elders, “Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:26-27).
The faithful will be rewarded. Those who have been entrusted with things belonging to another are required to be faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2). The five talent man and the two talent man, both of whom had gone out and gotten more for their master, heard, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matthew 25:21, 23). The Christians in Smyrna were about to suffer terribly, but the Lord assured them, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).
So, it is important for me to check to see if I am faithful. The Lord requires it of those outside and inside Christ. He also promises to reward the faithful.
Gary Hampton