"Thou art the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram...And foundest his heart faithful before thee."
(Neh. 9:7-8)
Faithfulness does not begin with an outward action, but an inward attitude of the heart. This is where all the issues of life begin. I have noticed in the last few years there has been more and more emphasis, both in sermon and song, on the faithfulness of God. And this is how it should be, but not to the exclusion of the saint's faithfulness. It is possible to call attention to the faithfulness of a good wife while allowing the unfaithful husband to get off scot free. One can come across as spiritual in testifying to God's faithfulness, while at the same time not emulating this Divine attribute.
The wise man tells us there has always been a problem in finding a faithful man. David showed his great concern in his day when he addressed the Lord by saying," Help Lord...for the faithful fail from among the sons of men." It is a shame, and most embarrassing for me to say this, but I know dogs more faithful to their masters than some professing Christians I know are to their Master!
When I pastored, I was frequently asked by some of my members why others in the assembly were blessed above themselves. Well, there are many reasons for this, but one of the greatest is found in the book of wisdom, "A faithful man shall abound with blessings." Paul tells us it is the first requirement for anyone who hopes to be a servant of the Lord. And Jesus says it's also the last requirement, it is to be so unto death. That is, faithful till you take your last breath. It is to this flock He will say at the last, "Well done thou good and faithful servant."
Let us close with an encouraging word from the Lord to each of you who are found to be faithful, "Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me."
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