Always Faithful
U.S. Marines are known for many things — bravery, endurance, esprit de corps — but they are perhaps best known for their motto “Semper Fidelis.” These two Latin terms sum up a mindset that is purposefully and intentionally taught to these men and women from boot camp forward. It is also required of and exemplified by those who lead them.
The term, “Semper Fidelis” can be translated “Always Faithful.” It describes a way of thinking and living marked by solidity and reliability. Someone who is “semper fidelis” can be counted on, not occasionally or sporadically, but all the time.
One of the often overlooked and under-emphasized qualities in our spiritual growth is faithfulness. In our studies and sermons, faith rightly receives a lot of attention, but faithfulness, which is an important and expected by-product of faith is sometimes neglected.
What is faithfulness?
Faithfulness is the way we live out our faith. It is the demonstration, by our lifestyle, words and actions that we really do believe God and His Word. It is holding firm to our commitment to God in times of temptation and testing. It is doing the work God has assigned us to do wholeheartedly, with excellence and thoroughness. It is “putting our hands to the Kingdom plow and not looking back!”
One day we will all stand before God, the great Judge of the universe. As believers in Jesus Christ, our judgment will not be about our eternal destiny, that has already been settled for us by our faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection. What will be up for review is our faithfulness. The question will be, did we live faithfully as a follower of Jesus?
Jesus revealed to us the most desirable and precious words that could be heard on that day:
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ – Matthew 25:21
Although our individual gifts, Kingdom responsibilities and personal opportunities are all different, there is one thing we should all strive to do equally well – we should strive to BE FAITHFUL! Our goal as believers in Jesus should be “ALWAYS FAITHFUL!”
Dale O'Shields
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