Faithfulness

Faithfulness is steadfastness, constancy, or allegiance; it is carefulness in keeping what we are entrusted with; it is the conviction that the Scriptures accurately reflect reality. Biblical faithfulness requires belief in what the Bible says about Elohym—Their existence, Their works, and Their character. Faithfulness is a fruit of Ruach Elohym; it is the result of the Spirit working in us. But the Spirit is also our seal of faithfulness. She is our witness to Elohym’s promise that if we accept the truth about Elohym, They will save us.

Hebrews 11 gives a long list of faithful men and women in the Old Testament who trusted God. Abel’s understanding of God made his sacrifice real and authentic. Noah trusted God’s word about the coming judgment as well as God’s promise to save his family (Genesis 6-9). Abraham and Sarah believed against all evidence that they would have a child (Genesis 21:1-34). Rahab trusted God to protect her family when the Israelites destroyed Jericho (Joshua 6). Gideon’s mustard-seed faith routed an entire army (Judges 6-7).

In that list in Hebrews 11 is the example of Enoch, who "obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to Yehovah. And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to Yehovah must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him" (vs. 5b-6). Faith, or a faithful commitment to who Yehovah says He is, is basic to walking with Him. As Yehoshua traveled, he responded to people’s faith and curtailed his involvement where there was no faith (Mark 6:1-6).

Enoch understood that Yehovah rewards those who seek Him and trust Him with all their hearts. We trust what Elohym does because we trust Them, not the other way around. In other words, we trust Elohym even when They are silent and we see no miracles. That is part of faithfulness. We know Elohym is reliable, steadfast, true and GOOD ALL THE TIME.

The Old Testament saints also had faith in the invisible work of Elohym (Hebrews 11:3). Abraham never saw his descendants become “as numerous as the stars in the sky.” Moses never entered the Promised Land. And none of the Old Testament saints lived to see their Messiah. But they were faithful. They believed Yehovah would do as He promised. They lived by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Faithfulness is believing that Yehovah is Who He says He is and continuing in that belief despite the vagaries of life. Functionally, that means we trust what Elohym says in the Bible, and not necessarily what the world or our own eyes tell us. We trust They will work out everything for good. We trust They will work Their will in us. And we trust that our situation on earth is nothing compared to our future reward in heaven. The only way we can have such faith is by the Holy Spirit’s influence. She testifies to the truth and impels us to seek Elohym. The Spirit makes us faithful as do our daily faithful actions.