“Words taught by the Spirit” (1Cor.2:13)

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“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1Cor.4:2) 

FAITHFULNESS

A revealing experience:

When I was doing my military service a little while after World War II, I was an officer and had under my orders a certain number of soldiers. I was assigned to a highly important and critical post. Among my soldiers, there was a whole range of personalities: Extremely intelligent, educated and able soldiers as well as soldiers with low mental and physical capacities. I was in need of good collaborators! It was completely normal for me to choose from among them the most intelligent and able soldiers to help me to carry out my duties. Disappointment did not take long to come… They did not obey my orders as they ought to but they tried to avoid or escape from doing their duties; and, even if they obeyed, they murmured and did what I had ordered them to do in their own way and not exactly what they were ordered to do. The repetition of my instructions and, in certain cases my threats, did not bring any true improvement. Desperate, I had to ask for help from a soldier who looked like an idiot! I do not exaggerate! I spent hours to explain to him what he was required to do… Satisfaction did not take long to arrive… My heart found rest, not only because he obeyed and was a disciplined man but also because he was doing his duty with eagerness and pleasure! This soldier became, after a little while, “my right hand”. He was doing whatever I was asking him to do and he respected all his promises…

I, as a young man, but also as a young Christian, I learned an unforgettable lesson! I understood Jesus-Christ’s “mentality” concerning absolute obedience and discipline which He required from His apostles and from all those who would want to follow Him! In a word, faithfulness! Since then, this word has become very dear to me! Later, the Spirit of God consolidated this lesson in me by the following verses: “My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walks in a perfect way, he shall serve me. He that works deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that tells lies shall not tarry in my sight.” (Ps.101:6-7). 

To obey is better than sacrifice:

The principal ingredient of faithfulness, in the Christian context, is voluntary obedience and fear of God: “I delight to do your will, O my God: yes, your law is within my heart.” (Ps.40:8). The Bible also says: “… Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king.” (1Sam.15:22-23). Paul speaking about Titus, he tells the Corinthians that his inward affection was more abundant toward them, when he remembered the obedience of them all, how with fear and trembling they received him and that he rejoiced that he had confidence in them in all things (2Cor.7:15-16).

The first and the best examples of faithfulness were given to us by Jesus-Christ, who was “… a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” (Héb.2:17). The faithful God appointed Moses, who was faithful in all his house (Héb.3:2). One faithful appoints another faithful… God appoints men who are faithful and prudent servants… Unfortunately, men often appoint people who are neither faithful nor wise… (Mt.24:45). God, nevertheless, enters the heart and the house of those who are faithful… (Ac.16:15). God’s faithfulness constitutes a multiple guarantee: God will not suffer that we be tempted above that we are able… (1Cor.10:13), our protection and our spiritual reinforcement are assured (2Thes.3:3) and God will accomplish His promises in our life…

My intention is not to refer to Jesus-Christ’s faithfulness, which is well-known and  established or even to the faithfulness of God the Father who keeps His word and who is “merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth” (Ex.34:6). I would like, however, to mention certain characteristics or attributes of God in order to understand better the continuation of this message: The word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth (Ps.33:4). His kindness and His faithfulness keep, guide and watch always all those who love him and keep his commandments (De.7:9). When God finds someone who is faithful, He makes a covenant with him relating to His promises for him as well as for his posterity… Yes, the blessings of God are on those who keep His covenant and accomplish His commandments… (Néh.9:8; Ps.103:18; Ezé.17:14). God’s mercy and faithfulness go together (Ps.85:10; Ps.89:14). He sends mercy and faithfulness… to exalt the name of His servants… (Ps.89:24). His faithfulness lasts from generation to generation (Ps.100:5). The glory of God is due to His mercy and faithfulness… (Ps.115:1). By faithfulness He humbles us, He wounds us and He chastises us (Ps.119:75; Pr.27:6). God’s faithfulness and His compassions are new every morning on account of His mercy (Lam.3:23). He has sworn His faithfulness (Eze.16:8 and Mic.7:20). Our unbelief cannot make God’s faithfulness of no effect! (Rom.3:3). If we believe not, yet he stays faithful: he cannot deny himself (2Tim.2:13). What consolation and what an encouragement! Conclusion: God keeps His word, His mercy, His promises and His “conventions”.

            What about us? What is the spiritual condition of those who lack faithfulness?

The goal of God with regard to His children:

God’s purpose with regard to His children is their sanctification, namely the formation in them of a character which resembles that of Jesus by the continual renewal of their inner being. During the period of their progressive renewal God enjoins them to work together or separately to proclaim the Gospel of His grace and to share with their neighbors and their close relations the salvation that God has operated in their life. To accomplish it, it takes “faithfulness” which is but honesty, constancy and assurance. It is the characteristic key of the man who is worthy of confidence. It is a virtue of God himself, which must be reflected in the life of His people. Faithfulness is one of the components of the fruit of the Spirit… (Gal.5:22). Faithfulness is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, but it is at the same time the product of the collaboration of man with God: “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yes, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.” (Ps.85:10-12). Yes, faithfulness springs out of the earth (from a man), when man is thirsty to be taught the ways of God and when he asks Him to put His fear in His heart and in His name! Then, God helps him to walk in justice, in faithfulness and in happiness (Ps.86:11) and, in a word, in salvation (85:9). God remains faithful, inalterable, independently of what occurs in us and in our behavior. His love is unconditional and His faithfulness immutable in spite of our lack of faith!

• “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore you sons of Jacob are not consumed.” (Mal.3:6) and
• “If we believe not, yet he stays faithful: he cannot deny himself.” (2Tim.2:13) 

Importance of faithfulness:

Faithfulness is a subject of great importance. The reward for the observance of this command is great. God has promised that to him that orders his conversation aright will He show the salvation of God (Ps.50:23). He will not only show them the content of His salvation, but He will also save them perfectly. God gives the same promise to the man who has set all his love on Him (Ps.91:14-15).

When one “analyzes” this great virtue, one notes that it is closely dependent or identical to scrupulous obedience in all the things of greater or less importance. Faithfulness in small things is a great thing! Without consistency, without continuance, there is no moral power. It always should be remembered that what counts is not the number of spiritual exploits that we have made, the multitude of testimonies we have given, the number of sermons we have preached, the number of NTs we have distributed, the number of members of our churches to whom we have preached etc., but it is the moral quality of those who are called “children of God”. This is what counts… It is the quality of the apostles and the first Christians who turned the world upside down to the point of “subjugating” the Roman Empire!!!

Conclusion: The notion of faithfulness is identical to that of the diligence with which somebody does his duty, whether it has to do with doing something or even with accepting or undergoing a situation. The faithful man is he that obeys promptly the commandments of God, by which he purifies his ways, puts in order his activities and who hastens promptly to conform to all that is right, true and acceptable. In other words, it is the man who keeps a good and pure conscience. It is the man who acts with “integrity of heart” … 

What God asks us, in general:

God asks us to be faithful in all things, He expects us in particular:

• To walk according to the light that we have: That is quite clear according to verses Luc 12:47 – 48: “And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For to whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.” Our responsibility becomes all the greater as the light and/or the gifts that we have are greater. “Therefore to him that knows to do good, and does it not, to him it is sin”, says the apostle James (4:17). Do we walk according to the light and the instructions which we have received? Do we repent from the sins we have committed? Do we live in a state of spiritual indifference? Do we answer positively to the “protests” of our conscience and/or of the Holy Spirit?
• To be faithful to death: “… be you faithful to death, and I will give you a crown of life.” (Rev.2:10b). Jesus-Christ said: “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” (Luc 14:26-27). The Lord Jesus requires the first place in our heart and our life!!! He requires a perfect obedience!!!
• To purify our souls more and more in obeying the truth: “Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit to unfeigned love of the brothers, see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently:” (1Pet.1:22). Also, the Psalmist says: “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to your word.” (119:9). And “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel to honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared to every good work.” (2Tim.2:21). The vase of honor is the man who is pure in his life and in whose life God has worked the work of His salvation and His power.
• To bring forth fruit that remains: “You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain…” (Joh.15:16)

Characteristics of a faithful man:

In order to be able to judge or better discern ourselves, we will examine more closely the essential characteristics of the faithful man. It is, however, necessary to make a distinction between man’s faithfulness towards GOD and that towards MAN. Of course, faithfulness towards God inevitably leads towards faithfulness towards men. These two things are closely dependent and inseparable.

The man who is faithful:

1. Confesses, rejects and gives up all sin or weaknesses and tries to always keep a pure conscience. The Word says to us: “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2Cor.7:1);
2. Does not remain double minded and unstable: If he does not have light with regard to the things which he should do, he takes care to do whatever is necessary to get it. He seeks it like a true contractor, with ingeniousness, to find the means and the methods to acquire it. It is then that he will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. It is only then that the Lord will give him wisdom (Pr.2:4-8). He does not wait until the light is given to him on several occasions to act, but he obeys promptly the light he receives. As soon as it has the certainty, he obeys without delaying. Deferred obedience is equal to disobedience. If your heart wants to pay attention, to obey and to conform to God’s requirements, God will bring you to what your heart desires. The prophet Isaiah describes magnificently the case and the consequences of people who do not obey immediately and whom God is obliged to make pass, on several occasions, from the same painful experiences until they awake…: “O that (if) you had listened to my commandments! then had your peace been as a river, and your righteousness as the waves of the sea” (Esa.48:18)
3. His faithfulness is not only for his own things, but also for things that do not belong to him. Here is the proof from the Word of God: “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 you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?” (Lu.16:10‑12). Faithfulness in few things brings faithful men to many things… What a principle! It can make us prophets… for the evolution of somebody or of a situation! I remember the advice that my wife gave me when I was helping an American Pastor in a church in Greece: “You must move away from this man. He lies for the businesses of his church; he gives false reports to his superiors: He tells them that the number of the people who are present in the church is greater than it actually is; do not trust him; if he is not faithful in these little things, how much more will he not be in other things, which are of greater importance to him! Wait and the contents of his heart will be revealed.” And, they, unfortunately, were revealed!

A faithful man lives and acts as Joseph acted towards the house of Potiphar… (Gen.39:6). When somebody is faithful, other people cannot exert a control on him because they rely on him… (2Rois 1:2, 15; 2Chr. 34:1, 12; Neh.13:13; Dan.6:4; Héb.3:5). Mathieu quotes a word that the Lord Jesus pronounced: “… Well done, you good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter you into the joy of your lord.” (25:21). When somebody is faithful, like Daniel, people cannot exert a control on him (Daniel 6:4). Our spiritual future depends on our faithfulness. God will add all His blessings to all those who keep with all their heart and diligently His commandments according to the light that they have or that they receive.

A short parenthesis: Let us not forget that it is possible to do what is right, but without your heart being honest and given to the Lord. You can give your money to somebody who is in need, either by love, or to be seen by Mr. Toutlemonde or by the spirit of revenge. The fact that you are faithful in great things does not mean that you will be faithful with regard to the least things. Very often, we try to be or rather seem faithful in great things because we do not want to expose ourselves neither to other people nor in our own eyes. However, it is the little things – the many little things – which reveal our character and our personality. In fact, the little bad things which like small foxes, “destroy the vineyards”, our personality: “Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.” (So.2:15).

4. He makes good use of the gifts and the ministries that God entrusted to him: He uses them, even if they are small, and do not seem to have a great importance. He does not hide his spiritual gift and/or his talent in the ground (Mt.25:25) and he does not neglect them (1Tim.4:14) but quite to the contrary, he stirs them up (2Tim.1:6) and, like a good steward of God, he puts them at the service of others (1Pet.4:10) for the glory of God. Unfortunately, there are Christians and even workers of God who are “wicked and slothful”, or who have a “spirit of fear” … or of “shame of the testimony of our Lord” … and who do not want to become ‘partakers of the afflictions of the Gospel’. Yes, who are lazy and fearful! Who do not want even to read the Word of God and to tire themselves for God’s businesses. Yes, who are afraid to face the hostility of unbelievers or of other hostile beliefs. Yes, who feel ashamed of giving their testimony in order “not to be ridiculed” or to be regarded as fanatics or fundamentalists! Yes, who do not want to suffer because of the Gospel and be persecuted in various manners…
5. He knows well that he was purchased with a great price, by the invaluable blood of Jesus. He knows well that his life does not belong to him. As a good and faithful steward, he uses the manifold grace he has to the profit of others (1Pie.4:10), having always in mind that he will be called one day to give account whether he has used usefully what God has entrusted him until He comes again! (Luke 19:13). Paul, in his epistle to the Corinthians, says that: “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1.4:2). Consequently, all that God requires of us is faithfulness. Faithfulness towards God and consequently towards men is our very first obligation in all that we have to do in the service of the Gospel;
6. He does not refuse to do good to those to whom it is due, when it is in his power to do it. He does not say to his neighbor: Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give you while he has it by him (Pr.3:23-24); he gives to the poor and to needy ones; he gives for the promotion of the work of God; and he gives of his time and accepts to leave the “comfort zone”. He spends his energy in praying for other people’s salvation, for their needs, for their healing etc.
7. He keeps his promises and his commitments. He does not change even if he has made an oath to his own hurt! Yes, he always speaks “the truth in its heart” (Ps.15:2-4). How it is, however, sad to see Christians and even workers of the Word think one thing, say another thing and do a third thing… Somebody said: “There is a thing which you can give and yet keep it, it is your word”. How sad it is to see Christians who use the law or certain regulations for their own interest or to impose their will, even if certain man-made regulations transgress the will of God. Also, he who is faithful does not leave his wife, without reason based on the Bible, in order to marry another woman.
8. He does not reveal or spread the secrets of others (Pr.11:13) but he gets reconciled with his adversary speedily and especially when there is a disagreement with his brother: “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has ought against you; leave there your gift before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Agree with your adversary quickly, whiles you are in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison.” If not, there will be undesirable consequences… (Mt.5:23‑25). This is a very delicate subject! Who is the offender? Who has to take the first step? Is the thing committed against you real or is just in your imagination? What is necessary to do when the supposedly offended does not accept the explanations? One thing is sure and certain: It is necessary to try hard humbly, patiently and with gentleness to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph.4:3);
9. He does not neglect opportunities that God gives him and he does not live in disorder: The first thing to do is “to exploit”, in the good sense, to give his testimony and to sow the Word of God; in addition, he does tolerate disorder in his conscience and his work or activities. (Pr.24:30‑34). And in closing this point, it is necessary to remember the principle of paramount importance, which is written in Psalm 50:23: “… and to him that orders his conversation aright (put order in his life) will I show the salvation of God.” On the contrary, he does not lose his opportunities but he makes full use of his time. He redeems the time, because the days are evil (Eph.5:16). He repurchases his time, because the days are bad; he tries to know the things which belong to his peace before they are hidden from his eyes (Lu.19:42).
10. When he passes through crises he takes care to judge and discern himself, repent and be converted. In times of crises, he immediately takes care to “resign”, obey and to commit himself… Faithfulness is seen and is proven at the time of crises: The faithful man – without being obstinate – does not accept doubtful compromises because he is not interested in the results for his personal gain but he is interested in the faithful observance of the will of God. His interest is not directed towards the solutions of opportunity, but towards the solutions of principle. He prefers that all be lost except his Christian honor. He is only interested to be, as an American Pastor said: “Faithful to faith, faithful to fight and faithful to finish.” This is the reason why God will give him at the end the crown of justice (2Tim.4:8). At the time of crises those who are not faithful escape… (1J2:19; Marc 4:17; Luc 8:13). On the contrary, kindness and faithfulness keep the man…
11. The faithful man does not glorify himself for his kindness, but in God and persists to do good. Most men will proclaim everyone his own goodness, but a faithful man, who can find? (Pr.20:6). What a truth! What a terrible deficiency of faithful men! Many pastors withdraw from the ministry and many Christians sign papers/contracts with God and before God within organizations or associations in order to serve Him and yet they neglect or give up completely their duty! How does God see them? And what is going to be their end? The faithful man admits and glorifies himself humbly that it is God that has saved him, it is God who has sanctified him, and that it is God who has filled him with His Holy Spirit and does his duty faithfully.
12. He does not do his work with negligence, but with diligence. Jeremiah said: “Cursed be he that does the work of the LORD deceitfully… (, Darby, ASV: negligently)” (48:10). This verse has influenced all my life and has taught me the fear of the Lord! Therefore, I know that whatever I do, I must do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that of the Lord I shall receive the reward of the inheritance for I serve the Lord Christ (Col.3:23). It is in this manner that I have always wanted to work during all my life: In spite of my imperfections, my weaknesses and my limits, I sought to have always the “green light” of the Lord for all that I did. I submitted it to the Lord to have His approval both in my professional life and in my Christian course…
13. The faithful man and, in particular, the Christian man is a faithful man who fears God above many and is, for this reason, better than many (Neh.7:2). The fear of God, integrity and faithfulness go together… (Esa.38:3). In the Bible, we often see the title “faithful minister” or “faithful witness”, for example, for Tychique, Moses and others. It is a title of honor and nobility: That which maketh a man to be desired (what attracts in a man) is his kindness;… (Gr., ASV, YLT) (Pr.19:22) and his faithfulness. Let us note well that Paul, speaking about Timothy, does not say that he is a good, a dynamic preacher, a charismatic Christian… or, or, or but he recommends him as a faithful man in the Lord (1Cor.4:17) and it is, for this reason, that he had entrusted the mission to him of going to Corinth and teach the believers… Faithfulness… this is what honors God… and men of God (Tit.2:10);
14. Faithful men become men able to instruct others the Word… Paul, by giving pastoral instructions to Timothy, his beloved collaborator, ordered him: “And the things that you have heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit you to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” (2Tim.2:2). One of the reasons for which faithful men are suitable and able to teach is because they obey the commandments of God:
15. a) To meditate on the Word day and night (Jos.1:8; Ps.1:2) and
16. b) Because the Word of Christ dwells in them richly in all wisdom (Col.3:16).

How sad it is to see Christians who want to become workers of God or the elders of the church while they do not really know the Bible, who are not able to teach, who do not have a spiritual mentality… and who are not able to help spiritually those who are in problems, in dilemmas and in the afflictions by giving them wise and biblical advice! And much more when God’s workers who do not have a true capacity to instruct believers, both with a correct and balanced teaching and, above all else, a holy life!!!

15. Faithful men are worthy of being trusted and are able to help those who are in perplexity… They are “seers” to whom they can open their heart! People must give their heart only to God and open their heart, if God guides them, to people who are faithful ‘seers’… worthy of confidence… whose spirit is steadfast with God (Ps.78:8), who do not lie (Pr.14:5) and who do not reveal the secrets of others. 

A SERIOUS OBJECTION:

You may probably ask me the question: Is it possible to obey PERFECTLY? The answer is NOT, because we are imperfect beings, BUT, what counts is our perfect desire to obey!!! What counts is to leave the principles of the doctrine of Christ and go on to perfection (Héb.6:1). What counts is our perfect will, strongly aspiring to obey Him perfectly. It is this element that will be taken into account by Christ who obeyed PERFECTLY the divine law for our account so that all the blessings could come on us. It is our choice; it is the position of our heart that counts. “Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life”  (Pr.4:23). An obedience like that of the Law of Moses will kill us, but our obedience in the spirit in the New Testament, based on REPENTANCE and CONFIDENCE, will vivify us. For this reason, God says to me and to you: “My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways” (Pr.23:26). It is always possible for your heart to will to follow Him perfectly and to will to do His will under all circumstances with faithfulness up to death! (Apo.2:10). When I say “to will” I want to say to will and not simply to wish or to desire. “To will” leads to action… 

CONSEQUENCES:

Positive: With regard to an unbeliever: If he obeys the light, which he receives concerning Jesus-Christ, God will bring him to salvation and if he insists in this way He will reveal in his life all the wealth of his salvation and the spiritual heritage, which awaits him… With regard to believers who keep the word of His patience in Him (Apo.3:8, 10), God will give them favor and power; God will set before them open doors, and no man will be able to shut them…; power to counter their enemies, power to do their duty and elimination of obstacles, authority, assurance and boldness and, in particular, great faith! God will protect them from temptations. He will give them the victory and will make them pillars in the church of God; He will not allow anyone to take their crown. Their spiritual progress will be manifest to all. God will give them more, especially light and blessings. Finally, a faithful man, without realizing, exerts an indirect judgment on others who are not faithful to their duties and their commitment, whether oral or written, official or unofficial. He contributes by his behavior to the edification of others, he leaves a good memory from everywhere he passes and he “diffuses” credibility. He refreshes other people’s souls! (Pr.25:13).

Negative: If man does not want to use the light that he has received, it will be transformed into darkness, he will become weak, poor and tardy and finally he will receive many blows! God does not take pleasure in those who withdraw…: “And my Juste will live by the faith; but, if it is withdrawn, my heart does not take pleasure in him…” (Héb.10:38, 39). It is not me who says that but it is God. Many Christians, because of lack of faithfulness, lose their initial zeal and fall into a state of nonchalance. The only method to be saved from this situation and to develop spiritually is “repentance” and the faithful implementation of God’s instructions. God, if we do not make good use of what we have been entrusted with, He removes it…  (Mat.25:24) because we are deprived of faithfulness…

             At the time of crises, those who are not faithful leave and flee: “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” (1Jo.2:19). Those who are not faithful are condemned to withdraw unless they repent… Let us pay attention to the verse: “And you, Solomon my son, know you the God of your father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands all the imaginations of the thoughts: if you seek him, he will be found of you; but if you forsake him, he will cast you off for ever.” (1Chr.28:9). What a verse and of what importance! The key to all success…

Of course, let us not forget that there are people who do what is right, but not with a perfect heart (2Chr.25:2). Therefore, it is possible to do what is right but not with a perfect heart before God! On the contrary, he who is faithful acts wisely in a perfect way and does what he does with integrity of heart… (Ps.101:2)

HOW TO ACQUIRE THIS LIFE:

Christ keeps His mercy, His word, His promises and His commitments… All He says is like an oath… If we believe not, yet he stays faithful: he cannot deny himself. (2Tim.2:13). Here is the reason for which we should not doubt… If we want to resemble Him, we should know that faithfulness, although related to faith, is fundamentally bound to the fear of God. The Word of God says: “Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth…”. This word means: It is the fear of God which leads to integrity and faithfulness of heart… (Jos.24:14; 2Chr.19:9).

He who fears God does not leave his conscience in disorder, because he always lives awaiting, from moment to moment, the visit of the Great Inspector! A heart fearing God, which has put its love in Him and His will, is ready to accept and obey under all circumstances (Néh.7:2). “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by them that heard him” (Héb.2:1-3)

Let us make introspection! How have we walked up to this date? We thank God for what we are, but let us recognize humbly that there are enormous possibilities for the future. The days of the end approach. It is necessary to be faithful, making full use of our time and our possibilities. The fear of God is the key to faithfulness in all the situations. Our responsibility is great and let us not forget that we will have to give an account some day before God our Father. Can we achieve this goal if there is a lack of faithfulness with regard to our commitments and promises? How can a man have great faith when he has a small faithfulness? If we are not faithful in our commitments in little things, how can God entrust us with greater things? He asks us to always do what is possible to us, all that is really possible to us, everywhere and in all circumstances favorable or unfavorable! Yes, God looks for a heart perfectly directed towards Him.

Let us humble ourselves and obey Paul’s exhortation to the Romans: “I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Rom.12:1-2). GOD who calls us to this life of faithfulness it is HE who will do it, who will accomplish it!!! Let us say YES to all that He wants to do in us and through us, let us trust ourselves to Him and He will do it! AMEN!

John BALTATZIS

baltatzis@skynet.be

jean.baltatzis@gmail.com

http://wordstaughtbythespirit.com