FAITHFUL SERVICE

It is better to be faithful than famous, says Theodore Roosevelt. A faithful person is trustworthy and reliable. Some people make faithfulness a hallmark of their human relationships, but the faithfulness that matters most is the faithfulness we show towards God. God is faithful. He does what He promises to do. Moreover, because God is faithful, we dare have courage to trust Him and His promises. “He is faithful that promised” (Heb. 10:23). “Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens: and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds” (Psa. 36:5). “Thy faithfulness is unto all generations…” (Psa. 119:90). In truth, all of God’s creation depends on His faithfulness. Animals begin their annual migrations and periodic breeding cycles at certain times because nature’s laws are firm. Plants send forth seed and sapling according to His faithfulness. Only human-kind has a hard time knowing whether or not to exercise faith in God. We however find strength to be faithful to God because God is faithful in dealing with us.

Jesus Christ is the supreme example of faithfulness. He always did God’s will and spoke God’s words. He had only one desire, “…not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42).  In His humanity,  Jesus’ obedience did not come without efforts. This we are told in the Book of Hebrews. Even for Jesus, as man, faithfulness was something to learn. “Though he were a son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered…” (Heb. 5:8). We, too, can learn faithfulness. “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 therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?” (Luke 16:10-12).

Faithfulness toward God begins with faithfulness toward family, faithfulness on our job and faithfulness in financial dealings. We can’t wait to show our faithfulness until someone trusts us with something big. We must be faithful now with whatever has already been entrusted to us. As we grow more faithful in one area of our life, that faithfulness can carry over into other areas.

Beloved, hear what Mother Theresa once said, “I do not pray for success, I ask for faithfulness.” We show God our faithfulness by obeying Him. His heart becomes our heart; His mind our mind; His will our will. One cannot be faithful to God if they do what they please. God actively looks for faithfulness in His servants. It is one of the qualities on which He judges His people. Jesus tried to help us understand God’s great interest in our trustworthiness. “His lord said unto him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord’.” (Matt. 25:21). Certainly, faithfulness is one characteristic of what the Apostle Paul calls the “fruit” of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps we should pray to be more faithful and receive this fruit of the Spirit. Remember, it is better to be faithful than famous.

Have a fulfilling week as you learn tobe faithful in the little entrusted to you.

Your brother, Vicar & Archdeacon

S.Igein Isemede