“Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, but who can find a trustworthy man?” (Prov. 20:6). We can only imagine the frustration and disappointment Solomon must have felt as he experienced the stabbing emotional pain of traitorous rejection. God feels similar rejection when His people turn their back on Him. When Hosea spoke to the sons of Israel, he told them that the Lord had a case against them because “there was no faithfulness or kindness or knowledge of God in the land” (Hos. 4:1).
Faithfulness is sorely needed in our fickle day of lukewarm devotion. Our success in the sight of God is measured by faithfulness, not by numbers. Numbers are important in as much as numbers represent souls. Yet, success is not about numbers but about faithfulness to the call of God. Was Noah a success? He is listed as one of our “Heroes of Faith” in Hebrews eleven. We would all agree that he was a success in spite of the fact that he was able to influence only his immediate family regarding the matter of the Flood.
Faithfulness is God’s standard of success for His servants. Paul writes, “It is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy” (1 Cor. 4:2). When the Lord examines our heart, will He find us faithful? Jesus says, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10). Faithfulness arises from the concept of stewardship. “Stewardship implies responsibility, and responsibility demands faithfulness” (Pulpit Commentary). Jesus identifies the faithful steward as the one who is carrying out his responsibility when his Master returns. Loyalty and trustworthiness is measured by acts of service and devotion. Faithfulness is the key to success in the sight of God. When we do God’s bidding, He will bless us and count us as faithful servants in His sight. This must be our driving ambition and goal in life (2 Cor. 5:9).
— Glen Elliott —