Faithfulness: Steadfastness in devotion

Faithfulness is many times spoken in the context of relationships, specifically marriage. While it is very important in relationships, the virtue of faithfulness goes much deeper than that. Faithfulness refers to adhering firmly and devotedly to a person, cause, or idea; maintaining an allegiance to someone or something; to be constant; to be utterly true to one’s word, loyal in one’s devotion, and steadfast and unwavering in one’s own calling and vocation. Faithfulness is also to be worthy of trust or reliable.

A faithful person is honest, loyal and dependable. He or she will remain in humble service, in truth and in love, regardless of the conditions or consequences and also regardless of any rejection by others, and in spite of any lack of recognition or appreciation. A lot of us are greatly lacking in this virtue and it is a norm to be faithful when it’s convenient and comfortable. Sometimes no one expects better from you. It is ‘understandable’ to leave when things don’t go according to plan. Unfaithfulness however causes distrust and disappointment, whether it happens in relationships or at the workplace.

We are urged in the Bible to be faithful in Luke 16:10. “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” If we cannot handle the small tasks, for instance, how do we expect to be faithful when it comes to the more important tasks?

Nevertheless, faithfulness, as with all other virtues, is something you can work towards mastering. Learn to always keep your word. You should also do everything to the best of your ability. Avoid mediocrity. In addition, do whatever is assigned to you properly, whether or not you are under supervision. Remember God sees all. In fact, in Colossians 6:23 he urges us to work with all our hearts, as if we were working for Him and not for men. If possible, go the extra mile when given a task to complete. To be faithful, you also need to keep a good attitude and avoid all sources of negativity. Don’t jump ship at the sight of a challenge. Avoid the ‘someone else will do it’ attitude at all costs! Adopt the ‘change begins with me’ attitude.

Reflections

God does not require a man to have one talent, three talents, or five talents. He only requires that a man be faithful with whatever he has been given.
Anonymous

When prayer is less sweet and easy; when love is less animated and tender; when the presence of God is less evident and less consoling; when even outward duties are fulfilled with less facility and enjoyment; then faithfulness is greater when maintained under these painful circumstances, and that is all that God requires.
Francois Fenelon (1651 – 1715), French Roman Catholic archbishop, theologian, poet and writer

Nothing is more noble, nothing more venerable than fidelity. Faithfulness and truth are the most sacred excellences and endowments of the human mind.
Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BC-43 BC), Ancient Roman lawyer, writer, scholar, orator and statesman

 Faithfulness is not doing something right once but doing something right over and over and over and over.

Joyce Meyer, American Bible teacher, author and speaker

 Not everyone possesses boundless energy or a conspicuous talent. We are not equally blessed with great intellect or physical beauty or emotional strength. But we have all been given the same ability to be faithful.
Gigi Graham Tchividjian, American author and oldest daughter of famous televangelist Billy Graham

I choose faithfulness… Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
Max Lucado, American author, writer and preacher

I am not called to be successful; I am called to be faithful.
Mother Teresa (1910-1997), Albanian born Indian missionary, founder of the Order of the Missionaries of Charity and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.

 Your thoughts

Faithfulness is deciding to stick to a choice you made despite having or seeing other bigger and better options.

Beulah Muithya, 26, Administrator – Residential Agency, Knight Frank

Published on  January 2013