The Fruit of Faithfulness Makes You More Like God

Has someone ever promised to do something for you on a certain day and never showed up, or even called? It's frustrating. Their lack of the spiritual fruit of faithfulness can throw off your whole plan.

Imagine what our world would be like if ordinary people like us were not faithful to our jobs? If there were no faithfulness, airlines wouldn't fly, transit systems would be shut down, grocery store shelves would not be stocked, farmers wouldn't grow food, and children would be sent home from school. Without the fruit of faithfulness, we would be in a bind. 

Being faithful is praiseworthy in God's eyes, no matter if only a handful of people know your name.

In Yellowstone National Park, a famous geyser got its name simply because it is reliable in its eruptions. On average, every 65 to 90 minutes it shoots a spray of boiling hot water 145 feet into the air. Because of its dependability, the geyser was named "Old Faithful." And that's what God desires His children to be, as faithful, reliable, and dependable as He is himself. 

Why is the fruit of faithfulness so important?

Why is faithfulness so important to God and to us? Because it is the very thing that builds trust in relationships. Think about what the opposite of faithfulness looks like. An unfaithful person is disloyal, uncommitted, untrustworthy, unstable, and can't be relied on. Faithfulness is an important fruit of the Spirit and important to every relationship, especially to God.

"And those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful." (Revelation 17:14)

In fact, trustworthiness is one of the things we want to know about people. Can I trust this person? Are they dependable and reliable? How far can I trust them? Should I trust them morally? What about with money? Can I trust them with my belongings? Are my children safe around them?

For this reason the fruit of faithfulness is important to God. Christ gave his life to redeem us from unfaithfulness, so we can be trustworthy, dependable, committed, reliable, constant, steady, holding fast to our beliefs and duty. 

God is faithful.

One of the first things we need to know about God is that he is faithful to his word, his covenant, and his beloved people. "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" is one of my favorite old hymns. Because the Faithful One lives in us by his Spirit, we have the ability to bear the fruit of faithfulness, and it should resemble his faithfulness.

Deuteronomy 7:9 “Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.”

Lamentations 3:22–23 Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.

See also Psalm 40:10, 71:22, 89:8, 98:3, 1 Corinthians 1:9, 2 Corinthians 1:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:24, 2 Timothy 2:13, Hebrews 10:23

Jesus Christ is faithful.

We know that God is faithful, but so is Jesus. He modeled bearing the fruit of faithfulness before mankind.

Revelation 19:11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Because He is faithful, He never changes. See Malachi 3:6)

See also Isaiah 11:5, Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 3:2, Revelation 1:5

1. We are to practice the fruit of faithfulness with…

• God. Revelation 17:14, contrast Hosea 6:4
• Spouse and family. Ephesians 5:22-33
• Church. Hebrews 10:23-25
• Our Words. Matthew 5:37
• Employer. Titus 2:9-10
• Handling Money. Luke 16:10-11

2. Faithful servants are remembered by the Lord.

Moses was God’s faithful servant. Numbers 12:7, Hebrews 3:5. Jesus spoke of faithful servants. Matthew 24:45-47. Paul praised the fruit of faithfulness in Timothy (1 Corinthians 4:17); Epaphras (Colossians 1:7); Tychicus, and Onesimus (Colossians 4:7, 9).

3. One key to faithfulness is setting the Lord always before us.

Psalm 16:8 I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

We have to make up our mind not to be moved by circumstances. When we keep our eyes on Jesus and His promises, He’ll work things out in his timing. We must be patient and wait on him, especially when it doesn't look like anything is happening. It is, but we just can't see it.

4. The Fruit of Faithfulness keeps us in position to receive the blessings of God.

The first few years I lived in Paradise and attended Jubilee, the devil kept trying to get me to move. False thoughts of “greener pastures” entered my mind, causing confusion and doubt. Fortunately, the Lord strengthened me to remain faithful, and I stayed put. As a result, I received the blessings that He had put in the “pipeline” for me, including meeting my wife. (God sets blessings in motion, but it takes time for them to manifest. If we move before the blessing gets to us, we miss out on what God sent our way.)

Scripture says that he or she who is planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. (Psalm 92:13) We have to remain planted in order to be blessed. (That means if God does want us to move, it's on him to communicate his will in a clear, plain, and persistent manner. He will confirm it on more than one occasion. If what you hear isn’t crystal clear and repeated, then God’s will is to stay put, be patient, and be faithful.)

5. Faithfulness causes us to bear more and better fruit.

The Lord does not want his children to be spiritual vagabonds, tramping about from city to city and church to church (unless we’re an evangelist). If we do, we forfeit the blessings that are in the pipeline for us. If the devil can keep Christians from being settled, rooted, and established, he can prevent them from receiving God's blessings.

Think about a plant that is constantly transplanted. It lives in “transplant shock” most of the time and never bears a full crop of fruit. So, when problems come, work through your issues. Don’t be a “runner,” quitting when things get tough. Never leave in the valley. If God calls you to leave, He’ll help you work things out so you leave on the mountaintop.

6. God promotes faithful men and women.

Matthew 25:21 “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ ” See also: Psalm 75:6–7, 101:6, Luke 12:42–43, 16:11–12

When we are faithful in doing what God called us to do, he will reward us openly. "God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward his name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister." Hebrews 6:10 

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58

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Question:

What do you plan to do this week to be more faithful to God, your spouse, and your family? Please take a moment and share in the Comment section below.