The Scriptures encourage the development of a character trait that doesn’t come natural and doesn’t come easy to us humans. The encouragement and directive regarding the development of this character trait comes through in imperative statements, encouragement and stories.
The trait I’ve been thinking about is faithfulness. Faithfulness is one of the ‘Fruit of the Spirit.’ The list goes like this: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Paul wrote to Timothy about faithfulness saying: “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.” (2 Timothy 2:22 NLT)
Another characteristic that is written about throughout the Scriptures is God’s faithfulness. God describes Himself as being faithful. He is described and celebrated as being a faithful God. The people are described as telling their children of His faithfulness.
David wrote: “I have not kept the good news of Your justice hidden in my heart; I have talked about Your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of Your unfailing love and faithfulness.” (Psalms 40:10 NLT)
Isaiah wrote about faithfulness this way: “Only the living can praise You as I do today. Each generation tells of Your faithfulness to the next.” (Isaiah 38:19 NLT)
Some people don’t even care about the idea of faithfulness, but for those of us who do, we know that faithfulness does not become part of the fabric of a person’s character in one fell swoop or through one event. Faithfulness is developed day by day, by doing the little things that we are commanded in the Scriptures to do. Faithfulness is developed by successfully doing the right thing. Faithfulness is also developed by failing to do the right thing and getting back up again. It is developed by hundreds of little successes and by hundreds of little failures.
People don’t develop faithfulness overnight. The development of faithfulness is part of the journey from birth to the grave.
Are you growing in faithfulness to God, to those around you and to yourself?
