Revelation 2:10

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.

As is true with all languages, English is undergoing constant evolution.  The Schoolmaster of America, Noah Webster, gave America its first dictionary and our own form of English.  Since the days of Webster, the English language has continued to evolve.  “Gay” no longer means happy or joyous disposition; its contemporary use is completely unrelated.  In addition to the change in connotations and denotations of terms, we have added many words to the English language since the days of Webster.  He had never heard of a CD or DVD, he had never seen an airplane, or typed on a computer.  In addition to new words, many have fallen or are falling into disuse, among them is the term “faithful.” 

         Some words must be meticulously guarded, because they represent the very best in human experience.  They encapsulate the greatest values known to mankind.  “Faithful” and the terms derived from it are among those terms which distill the most desirable traits of the human heart.  The New Testament idea of “faithfulness” can be encapsulated in three words: ascent; act; and acclaim. 

         First, it means “firmness of faith,” “trust,” or very simply, “believing.”  This idea suggests a trust or confidence in someone or something.  In the New Testament, stress is laid upon believing in Jesus as the Christ or Messiah.  But from this truth radiates many other teachings which often both elevate and illuminate Old Testament truths.  To be faithful or have faith in the New Testament sense means a personal confidence in the person of Jesus Christ and all He taught as contained in the New Testament.  This aspect of “faithfulness” lays stress upon ascent of the mind and acceptance of the will concerning the eternal truths which are taught in God’s Word. 

         Second, “faithfulness” also means reliable to perform a given duty or task.  It is used of God who is faithful to His promises (1 Cor 1:9; 10:13; 1 Thess 5:24), and it refers to the duty an individual has to himself and to others (Col 4:9; 1 Peter 5:12; Rev 2:10).  “Faithfulness” is in part defined by reliability to perform or act as expected. 

         Third, “faithfulness” is also a reputation received as a result of faithfully performing what one knows to be right.  The term is sometimes applied to the sacred things of God (promises, blessings).  Often it is used to express the character of that which is trustworthy (1 Cor 7:25; 1 Tim 1:2; 2 Tim 2:2; 1 Peter 4:9).  This aspect speaks of one’s assessment concerning someone or something and finds the thing or person to be true, trustworthy, sure, believable, or worthy of credit or trust.  In this way the thing or person receives acclaim when this term is applied. 

         I often meet those who wistfully yearn for the “good old days” of yesteryear when an individual was as good as his word.  How we long for politicians who will be “faithful” to campaign pledges; we long for spouses who will be “faithful” to their marital vows; we long for employers and employees who will be “faithful” to the interests of each other; we long for churches which will be “faithful” to the Gospel without being chameleons, seeking to blend into the world. 

         It is true, we often yearn for faithfulness in every sphere of life, but too infrequently is this yearning satisfied.  A tragic fact must not be overlooked if we are to take large strides toward the realization of a society that is indeed more faithful.  In recent years, I have sensed that the cry for faithfulness has increased throughout our society, but the willingness to be part of the solution has decreased.  What we need is not mere ascent to truth.  We desperately need people who will act faithfully–people to whom we can point with acclaim as we walk down the street, saying, “There goes one of the most faithful Christians I have ever met!” 

You are an important part of the solution to faithfulness.  You and I must not merely talk about faithfulness to our spouses–we must be faithful!  We must not just talk about being on time to work and being faithful in all matters to our employers–we must be faithful!  We must not merely take membership vows at churches–we must be faithful to them!  Do you long for more faithfulness in our homes, churches, and places of employment?  Be part of the solution–be faithful!

            Our Lord has promised eternal life to those who are willing to be faithful.  May the grace of our risen Lord rest upon our hearts and hands that in matters great and small we might be faithful to Him!

In Christ,

Pastor Stephen Flick, Ph.D.