FAITHFULNESS

We recently talked about how the road to sanctification is lined with lessons which point us toward the very attributes of God Almighty.  Recently it occurred to me how often I speak of the faithfulness of God.  One of my very favorite hymns found HERE is one which always brings tears---of all of God's attributes---I am SO thankful for this one.

If God is teaching us His attributes then how can we display faithfulness?  Perhaps the place to begin is with a definition--Strong's Concordance tells us firmness, steadfastness, fidelity. When researching the characteristics of faithfulness.  I  also found this clear explanation~

"A faithful character is someone who can relied upon to keep their promises, honor their commitments, and stay true to their values and beliefs.  They are trustworthy, reliable and dependable, and they inspire others to have faith in them and their actions."

 I should stop there, but what brought me to this place of writing about faithfulness is us telling others we will pray for them.  Perhaps one of the most important attributes is our faithfully praying for others--especially when we have told them we would pray for them.  It is NOT a light proclamation when we say we are going to pray---and we should take it  our trustworthiness very seriously when we make this promise.  If we fail to do as we have declared--not only are we failing the one we have declared our intentions to, but we have failed God Himself.  His desire is for us to be faithful---and if you are not ---you are  NOT being faithful. You are disappointing the one you made the promise to, but will never know your infidelity, but also disappointing a Holy God--who does know.  Could there be any greater friend  or closer family than one who is praying for us?  I have been disappointed in myself in the past over my failure to follow through, BUT I have learned to immediately pray when making the statement.  This helps me to remember my promise  each and every time I pray and I firmly believe God's Holy Spirit will then prompt me because I have expressed my intent with that first prayer.  

Faithfulness is character building and the cornerstone of integrity.  May we all be praying saints faithfully approaching the throne for God's beloved.

"Let now steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;

bind them around your neck;

write them on the tablet of your heart.

So you will find favor and good success in the

sight of God and man."

Proverbs 3:3-4