Faithfulness

God defines faithfulness very simply: complete trust in Him. We are unfaithful when we rely on someone or something else to deliver us from our trials and to sustain us in our daily walk and warfare. What are the characteristics then of one who is faithful? He never puts faith in the blessings God has given him but instead trusts only in the God behind the blessings; he doesn't fail the test of prosperity. He doesn't become indistinguishable from the world, from those who are trusting in everything but God for their success and satisfaction. The things they trust in are immaterial to him, worthless except as they can be redeemed and used in His service as He directs to help others. They are things to be given not things to be accumulated and relied on for one's security. In addition, the faithful believer sows the seeds of love: compassion, lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness. All he needs to sow those seeds is a heart that trusts in God. Nothing else is required. There is never a time when he cannot sow those seeds and trust God with the harvest. How can the faithful one live so "unwisely" in the world's eyes? He knows that the battle is not to the strong or the resourceful or the wealthy but to the one who trusts totally in his gracious, enabling God. He knows that it is God's faithfulness that sustains him. His security is in God's character. He can walk through the darkest night and never be afraid and never kindle a fire to light his own way. He will not turn back for he knows that He in whom he delights will make his path straight. "To the true and the faithful, victory is promised through grace."