by leaps and bounds

Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful (I Corinthians 4:1-2).

The word “faithful” is used in Christian circles quite a lot. We hear this word in songs. We hear this word in sermons and teachings throughout churches, social media and wherever the Gospel is proclaimed. However, it sometimes appears to be very one-sided in context. Let me explain.

References to faithfulness tend to lean heavily toward God’s faithfulness. We are told that He is faithful. In fact, we are told that He is faithful even if we are not. Is God faithful? Well, the following verses attest to His faithfulness:

This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness (Lamentations 3: 21-23).

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning (James 1:17).

God is faithful. At times He is portrayed as the One who chases us down. Luke 19:10 says, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” There is no doubt that God pursues us when we are lost in our sins. He desires that we be saved. However, once we are saved, should He have to chase us down to get us to do what we know we should do? In other words- what about our faithfulness to Him?

I Corinthians 4:2 says it is required in stewards that we be found faithful.We are stewards of the Gospel and the grace of God. As His servants we must be faithful to Him.

God’s love for us is shown by His faithfulness toward us. Our love for Him should compel us to be faithful to Him. Jesus Himself said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” There are very basic things we can do that will show our faithfulness and grow our faithfulness toward Him.

I Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray without ceasing.” Prayer is our way to communicate with God. We need to talk to Him daily.

II Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Jesus said, “If you continue in my word, you are my disciples indeed.” God speaks to us through His Word. He teaches us what is right and what is wrong so that we can be faithful in keeping His commandments.

Finally, there is the matter of meeting with like-minded people. Hebrews 10:25 tells us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together. In other words, church is the place we can be encouraged to be faithful in our Christian walk. It is good to be with God’s people regularly and faithfully in order to learn more about Him.

Yes, God is faithful! We should be faithful, too.

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Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.

Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children  — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter  — Breanna. 

Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 

Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.