Who Is Faithful?

Proverbs 20:6 “Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man?”

 I looked up the word “faithful” in the 1828 Webster’s dictionary and found it defined as: (1) Firm in adherence to the truth and to the duties of religion. (2) Firmly adhering to duty; of true fidelity; loyal; true to allegiance; as a faithful subject. (3) Constant in the performance of duties or services; exact in attending to commands; as a faithful servant. (4) Observant of compact, treaties, contracts, vows or other engagements; true to one's word.  Moses and Abraham were full of faith in God’s Word; therefore they were faithful to God’s Word. The very word “faithful” means “full of faith.” It goes much deeper than dedication, devotion and desire; down to your very being attribute and heart attitude. You couldn’t and wouldn’t do it any other way because of who and what you are because of whose you are and how Christ has transformed your heart.

That same 1828 Webster’s dictionary goes on to define the word “faithfulness” as: (1) Fidelity; loyalty; firm adherence to allegiance and duty; as the faithfulness of a subject. (2) Truth; veracity; as the faithfulness of God. (3) Strict adherence to injunctions, and to the duties of a station; as the faithfulness of servants or ministers. (4) Strict performance of promises, vows or covenants; constancy in affection; as the faithfulness of a husband or wife. This is the thoughts, words and actions that flow out of being faithful. One commentator states that faithfulness is like a rare and precious gem. It is difficult to find a real such gem, though there are many who will offer their virtues as a substitute.

Proverbs 25:27 “To seek one’s own glory is not glory.”

That commentator explains that God is not impressed with those who boast of themselves and their qualifications or who belittle others. Actions speak louder than words, and it is better to let one’s works speak for themselves. The Apostle James writes in James 2:18, Someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” The rare quality of faithfulness—firm and reliable commitment to one’s convictions and responsibilities, in accordance with God’s Word and God’s leading—is proved in practice rather than proclamation. May God help us to be faithful servants, for “it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” - 1 Corinthians 4:2. It is soul-felt quality, not quantity, of service that God measures. True faithfulness—not fruitfulness—is required. God is faithful. Who is a faithful man or woman?  May they be you and I.

Blessings