What Does it Mean to be Faithful? Are you Faithful ??

 

What Does it Mean to be Faithful? Are you Faithful ??

The world's most famous geyser, Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park, currently erupts around twenty times each day, shooting gallons of hot misty water often as high as 90 to 120 feet. The times vary, but those on staff predict the next eruption by using stop watches and notes. Old Faithful has been faithful for many years and it seems it is not ready to stop being faithful at any time soon.

What is faithfulness? Animals can be extremely faithful to their human masters. A faithful dog will stay with their master and not want to leave them. A dog is loyal and in many cases has saved the life of their master. A service dog is a loyal and faithful companion for the blind, and critically ill owners. A faithful dog will never forget you and will desire to protect and comfort you.

When a couple marry, they pledge a covenant that they will be “faithful” and forsake all others, staying with the person through thick and thin, sickness and health, even unto death. To be faithful means to be reliable, steadfast and unwavering, honest and a person who keeps their word. A faithful person can be trusted, is dependable and keeps their word. They are honest and truthful. You can rely on a faithful person.

Can God trust me? Can He trust you? God's desire is for our citizens to come to Jesus where they will find a Savior who they can trust because Jesus promises to always be faithful and to NEVER leave or forsake us. Our God is always FAITHFUL. His promises are true and God will NOT fail to keep His Word.

When Nehemiah had to leave Jerusalem to return to Persia, he put Hanani and Hananiah in charge. The reason for his choice of these men was that they were; “more faithful and God-fearing . . . than many” Nehemiah 7:2 ESV.

Nehemiah needed men of character whom he could rely on. Men who would not take bribes, who were committed to the welfare of the people, and who would uphold the integrity of the office. Men who would STAY and not QUIT.

Nehemiah said in chapter 13 about the men he selected to be in charge - - because these men were considered trustworthy. They were responsible and faithful men who could be depended on.

Paul urged Timothy to select faithful men so that they might be able to teach others how to be faithful. 2 Timothy 2:2 "The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."

2 Chronicles 17: the King selected faithful men to teach the people to obey God's Word: In the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent his officials Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah to teach in the cities of Judah,  accompanied by certain Levites—along with the priests Elishama and Jehoram.  They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the LORD. They went throughout the towns of Judah and taught the people.

God is looking for men with humble hearts; men who will sacrifice everything for the cause of Christ and who will stand in the gap as servant-leaders for their families and for Christ's Church. Those who will keep their promises, and allow their Word to be their Bond? Are you that person? Can you be counted on?

Notice, also, that faithfulness is associated with fearing God. The Most Holy One.

The better we truly know God, the more we will want to imitate Him. (Ephesians 5:1)

Lamentations 3:22, 23 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassion's fail not. His mercies are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

God is faithful and great is His faithfulness. The old hymn written by Thomas Chisholm has beautiful lyrics:

“Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassion's, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided —
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

God  is looking for people whose heart is fully His and are loyal to Him. If we are faithful to God, He will show Himself strong toward us in all we set our hand to do.

God requires us to be faithful to him first, then faithful and loyal to our spouse, faithful to our church, faithful to obey all our God has asked of us.

Matt 25:23 Our desire is to hear the Lord say to us when we stand before Him; ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your Lord.’