Articles
Be Faithful
Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life (Revelation 2:10)
What does the word “faithful” mean to you? This is a word that we need to spend more time thinking about because it seems to have different meanings to so many people. As the word applies to one who walks in newness of life as a new creature in Christ where old things are passed away and new things have come, being faithful would have to include spending time feeding on the truths of God’s word (1 Peter 2:1-5, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Peter 3:18). Being faithful would include a life of prayer (Acts 2:42, Philippians 4:6, Hebrews 4:16, James 1:5-6-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:17). Being faithful involves being a doer of the word and not a hearer only (James 1:19-25, 1 Corinthians 15:58, James 2:18).
Being faithful involves continuing steadfastly every day of the week in the profession of our faith. It is a daily religious life evidenced by what we say, what we do, where we go, who our friends are, the amusements and recreational activities we engage in. The faithfulness of a child of God is more than just a Sunday go to an assembly of the church. It is a 24/7 faithfulness we must have (Acts 2:46-47).
Being faithful, we hold fast and firm to the commitment we have made to love, obey and serve the Lord all of our days on planet earth. It is a commitment to remain faithful under all circumstances regardless of what they may be or how severe they may be. We are constantly being reminded that there will be those times when we will find ourselves facing harsh, difficult times. With a great faith in God, we can let Him lift us up to a greater faith. It will be impossible to be faithful without wavering if there is not a strong conviction and trust in God every day of our life.
Being faithful is going to require that we be examples of a child of God in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity (1 Timothy 4:12). It will require that we add to our faith moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love (2 Peter 1:2-11). Study diligently Romans 12:9-21, Ephesians 4:25-32, 1Thessalonians 5:12-22 and be impressed with all of the many responsibilities involved in being faithful. All of the things mentioned in the above passages are only a guide for us as it regards our new life in Christ. Maybe, just maybe, it would do all of us well to sit down and do a self-examination of ourselves as it regards our faithfulness.
Faith that is founded on a strong conviction and trust in God will allow us to see the eternal purpose of God in all things. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). Even though I believe this precious promise from God to be true, I must confess that there have been times when I have struggled with this passage. Because of the weakness of my human frame, I just don’t always understand some of the things that happen to us in this life and I doubt that you do either. Doesn’t it fill your heart with praise and thanksgiving that with a strong faith, we have the privilege of crying out to our God and receive the help we need to sustain us throughout our journey on this side of eternity (Psalms 28:1, Psalms 18:1-1-3, Philippians 4:6-7, Hebrews 4:13-16, Psalms 34:15-19).
Be thou faithful until death—what a great challenge it is for all of us. To God be the glory forever and ever!
Charles Hicks, Gallatin Tennessee
