Faithfulness

According to the dictionary, faithfulness is the concept of unfailingly remaining loyal to someone or something and putting that loyalty into consistent practice, regardless of extenuating circumstances. It means to be dedicated, steadfast, devoted, dependable, true, conscientious, and thorough.

Faithfulness is the complete opposite of self-centeredness. It is mentioned in Galatians 5:22 as one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Faithfulness requires being committed to even the little things that will never earn you the applause of men, and may be tedious and seemingly insignificant. Faithfulness requires commitment and often asks of us to sacrifice personal comfort for the cause of Christ or the benefit of another. It is carefulness in keeping what we’re entrusted with.

The story is told of George Boldt who worked faithfully for years at the front desk in a small hotel. One day an elderly couple came into the lobby and asked for a place to stay. Every room in the hotel—and every hotel in town—was occupied. Realising that the elderly couple had nowhere to sleep, Boldt offered them his own room. Although they were reluctant to accept his offer, they eventually did so because George insisted. The next morning when the couple was checking out, the elderly man said to George, “You're the kind of man who should be managing the best hotel in the country. Someday I'm going to build that hotel and let you manage it.”

Several years later, Boldt received a letter in the mail. It contained a round-trip ticket and a note from the man to whom he’d given his room years before. The man invited George to visit him in New York City. When Boldt arrived in New York, the gentleman took him to a downtown corner where a huge building stood. “George, this is the hotel I built for you to manage.” Boldt stared in amazement at the glorious structure. The hotel was the Waldorf-Astoria! The elderly man was William Waldorf Astor, one of the wealthiest men in the country. Boldt’s faithfulness in managing a small hotel had prepared him to manage one of the most magnificent hotels this country has ever seen.

In Matthew 25:14-30 Jesus told the parable of a man who was going on a journey, and entrusted His servants with his property. We read that he came back after a long time and wanted to settle accounts with his servants, but found that not everyone was equally faithful to what was entrusted to them. To the servant who had taken that which was entrusted to him seriously, and remained committed, the master said, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21-23).

Be encouraged to remain faithful – faithful to your talents, faithful to your family, faithful to your friendships, faithful to both the great and the small tasks entrusted to you, but most of all, faithful to God and that which He has called you to do.