Many people reading the question in the title of this article will think of faithfulness in terms of loyalty. There is certainly nothing wrong with loyalty, but our question regards our relationship to God.
Faithfulness is required of those outside of Christ. In fact, “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). That faith comes through hearing God’s word, which demands repentance, confession of Christ and calling for a clean conscience in baptism (Romans 10:17; Acts 17:30; Romans 10:9; 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). That is why 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 of and inside of Christ. He also promises to reward the faithful.
Gary Hampton