He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Psalm 91:4
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
Matthew 4:10
From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
“You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
John 6:66–68
“If you love me, keep my commands.”
John 14:15
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Revelation 2:10, KJV
Faithfulness is much to be prized in the Christian character, because it is an attribute that the Scriptures continually praise in God himself.
As we read the New Testament, most of which was written to church
communities enduring relentless and fierce persecution, not surprisingly we find significant emphasis on enduring to the end and remaining faithful, standing firm in the face of adversity. Still today there are places in the world where to embrace the gospel of Christ is to sign your own death warrant, and standing firm in the faith is a matter of great courage. But even in countries with religious tolerance or a Christian majority, there are many areas of life in which it is hard to remain faithful to our Christian convictions.
Faithfulness in marriage is increasingly under fire in a society in which divorce is rife and entirely acceptable. Faithfulness as an employee or employer is less easy to fulfil in a highly mobile society and an economic recession.
Sometimes we have to choose between conflicting calls on our fidelity: should a woman whose husband is a violent drinker, taking her family down into poverty and abusing their children, be faithful to her marriage vows or faithful to ensuring stability and safety for her children? Should an employee who witnesses his boss do something seriously illegal be faithful as an employee or as a citizen? Should a Christian who finds his church unfulfilling be faithful to that faith community or look for somewhere more inspiring to attend? Faithfulness is important, but not always easy!
Faithful God, you call us to walk with you in your ways of fidelity. By your grace, may we mature into responsible and trustworthy souls, the kind of people that others know they could trust with their lives. May our love be like your love – wise, tough, enduring, and reliable to the very end. When we have run our race, may Christ say to us the words we long to hear: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” For we ask it in Jesus’ holy name; Amen.
