Faithfulness

Sometimes we say words but they are only words.
We say them so often, we fail to stop and think about their meaning.
If we fail to think about their meaning, then we are not thinking about how they apply to us.
The words become something intangible and not really applicable to our lives.

I was thinking about one such word: faithful.
According to the dictionary, faithful means: loyal, constant, and steadfast.
We know the meaning intellectually.
What does faithfulness look like in our daily life?

When someone says the word, faithful, you immediately think of marriage.
Being faithful in your marriage means that you stand by the covenant you made.
You keep your promises.
Husband and wife are one and treasure their one-ness.

What does faithfulness look like in other areas of our life?
Does it apply to mundane tasks?
Does it matter?
Does it point others to Christ?

With the current climate of our culture, we need faithfulness more than ever.
We need faithfulness in the little things.
We need faithfulness when no one is watching.
We need faithfulness because that is what God expects.

The world needs to see faithfulness.
Faithfulness will seem so out of the ordinary.
Faithfulness is counter cultural.
Faithfulness is radical.

Faithfulness is changing dirty sheets and rinsing buckets when children throw up.
Faithfulness is cuddling just a little bit longer.
Faithfulness if reading a favorite book to your child for the tenth time.
Faithfulness is playing Candy Land when you would rather have a cup of tea.

Faithfulness is pushing a child on the swing, one more time.
Faithfulness is giving a back rub for no reason at all.
Faithfulness is laughing at the knock-knock joke you have heard over and over.
Faithfulness is sitting on the bleachers and being a personal cheering section.

Faithfulness is baking favorite cookies before everyone comes home.
Faithfulness is sticking little notes inside lunchboxes or briefcases.
Faithfulness is listening to the heart of the one who is hurting.
Faithfulness is listening to a friend and not jumping to conclusions.

Faithfulness does not announce itself.
Faithfulness comes with no fanfare.
Faithfulness often goes unnoticed.
Faithfulness wins no awards or receives any applause.

Faithfulness is quiet.
Faithfulness brings no attention to itself.
Faithfulness seeks no recognition.
Faithfulness is something the world does not understand.

If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. (Luke 16:10)

Faithfulness is radical.
Being faithful in the little things is the only way we will change our culture.
While many seek to have their ten minutes of fame, faithfulness will endure.
Faithfulness is quiet, yet it speaks volumes.

In our culture of selfies and self-promotion, faithfulness is quiet strength.
In our culture, which says, me first, faithfulness says, you first.
In our culture of self fulfillment, faithfulness lays self down.
Faithfulness is Godlike in its character.

Faithfulness on the battlefield.
Faithfulness in the workplace.
Faithfulness in our friendships.
Faithfulness to our local church.

Faithfulness when we give our word.
Faithfulness to show up when we say we will be there.
Faithfulness to write that letter.
Faithfulness to make that phone call.

You can trust us to stick to you through thick and thin – to the bitter end. And you can trust us to keep any secret of yours – closer than you yourself keep it. But you cannot trust us to let you face trouble alone, and go off without a word. We are your friends, Frodo.
(J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring)

Tolkien said it best.
You can trust us to stick to you through thick and thin – to the bitter end.
The world does not know this kind of stick-to-it-tive-ness.
The world moves from one thing to another, searching for something that is out of grasp.

When we exemplify faithfulness in our lives in the little things, we offer a better way.
Perhaps that better way will point others to Jesus.
We can only be truly faithful when we model Christ.
If we are faithless, He remains faithful. (2 Timothy 2:11)

We fall short.
We often fail in our faithfulness.
Through it all, God remains faithful.
Great is His faithfulness.

He’s Always Been Faithful (Sara Groves)

Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me
Morning by morning I wake up to find
The power and comfort of God’s hand in mine
Season by season I watch Him, amazed
In awe of the mystery of His perfect ways
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He’s always been faithful to me.

I can’t remember a trial or a pain
He did not recycle to bring me gain
I can’t remember one single regret
In serving God only, and trusting His hand
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He’s always been faithful to me.

This is my anthem, this is my song
The theme of the stories I’ve heard for so long
God has been faithful, He will be again
His loving compassion, it knows no end
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He’s always been faithful, He’s always been faithful
He’s always been faithful to me.

 

2 responses to “Faithfulness”

1. So true, Gina! Lovely blog, and a great reminder that in this world of prejudice, sometimes hatred, bad attitudes and people who disappoint,GOD is always faithful, Someone Who is always there for us! Beautiful song, too. Thank you! As always, your “whispers” are a highlight of my day.

   Reply

   • Oh, Sue, it warms my heart to think that the daily Whispers blesses you each day. As long as God allows me to see and hear those Whispers as I go about my day, I will keep writing. Blessings.
     Gina

     Reply