Faithfulness – Searched For and Required

“Help Lord, for the godly man ceases to be, For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men” (Psalms 12:1). “Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, but who can find a trustworthy (faithful) man” (Proverbs 20:6)? “The faithful disappear from among the sons of men” seems to be a phrase coined for today if one ever could be. Who can find a faithful man? This is what God is searching for among His people and it is a very rare commodity in our day. Can He find this in our life? God is not looking for perfection or those who appear to have it all together. He is, however, searching for those who will simply be faithful. Will you be one of those He will find faithful when He returns? Here are some areas of faithfulness God is searching for in our lives:

Being faithful in relationships

Are we faithful to those He has placed in our life? Are we there for them when they really need us, stand behind them when they’re in trouble or have fallen, or just there for them consistently no matter what is going on with them or in their life (Galatians 6:2)? We must be there for those God has placed in our life not just when all is well but when everything is messed up. That’s when they really need us. Faithfulness is standing by someone even when they may be making a decision we disagree with. Let me challenge you to do a study of all the “one another” passages in scripture. You’ll be amazed at what you will find.

Being faithful with things God has entrusted us with

God has given much to us, especially in America. The parable of the talents makes it abundantly clear that God will one day bring us into account for all He has entrusted into our care (Matthew 25:14-25). There are three specific areas God is dealing with in this parable.

1. Time. Time is our one of the most precious commodities God has given us. The Bible says, we are to “Make the most of our time because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16). And again, “Teach us to number our days, that we may present to Thee a heart of (apply our heart to) wisdom” (Proverbs 90:12). Is God first in what we do with our time or does everything else in our life take precedence over the things of God?
2. Talent. Each of us has gifts from God, both natural and spiritual. Are we faithfully using them for the Him and His kingdom? Peter said, “As each one has received a special gift, let him employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10).
3. Treasure. We ware required to be faithful with the resources God has entrusted us with. If we are not, the bible clearly teaches we will miss out on so much. Many will never get ahead financially or reach the level God desires for them because they haven’t learned to be faithful with their first fruits (Proverbs 3:9). The bible also makes it clear that spiritual insight is cut off or at least greatly diminished when we are not faithful with our finances. Many wonder why God is not giving them enlightenment into His word, their life, situations and spiritual things when Jesus said, “If you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon (money), who will commit to you true riches” (Luke 16:11)?

Being faithful to the church

Are we faithful to God’s house – the church? It was said of Jesus, “The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up or consumed me” (John 2:17). Hebrews 10:25 exhorts us, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another and so much more as you see the day (of His return) approaching.”

All of the areas we have mentioned can and do apply within the context of the church. Are we faithful to His house, to prayer, to His people, and with what He has entrusted to us? There is coming a day when we will be brought into account for our faithfulness or lack of it. “Moreover, it is required of a steward that he be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). This was said in the context of the Judgment (Bema) Seat of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:9-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11 and Romans 14:10-12).

At this judgment there will be one of two reactions: confidence and rejoicing when we hear Him say, “well done thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23) or shame when we realize we didn’t make our lives count for Him as we should have. Revelation 21:4 says, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes”. Praise the Lord! That does mean, however, there will be tears there (in heaven – at the Judgment seat of Christ) for Him to wipe away. 1 John 2:28 says, “And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He shall appear, we may have confidence and not be ashamed (shrink back in shame) before Him at His coming. Let us be found faithful!

About the Author

Gary Linton is a writer, teacher, church planter and preacher with over 30 years of ministry and church planting experience. As founder of GSL Ministries, Gary trains and encourages pastors and church leaders from all walks of life.