Faithfulness

Solomon once wrote, "Many people proclaim their loyalty, but who can find a faithful friend?"

Yellowstone Park has some 3,000 geysers and hot springs. It's the greatest concentration of hot springs in the world. One of the most famous is called "Old Faithful." Everyday, somewhere between 37 and 93 minutes, "Old Faithful" erupts for about four minutes. During that time, it launches 10 to 12 thousand gallons of hot water 170 feet into the air. Although it's quite a sight, they geyser isn't famous for spouting off - it's famous because it's faithful!

Faithfulness is important to us because we don't like to be inconvenienced. We appreciate dependability. Everyone is looking for individuals who can be counted on to be there when you need them, trusted and trustworthy people. Those kind of folks are getting harder and harder to find aren't they?

Solomon also told his son, "My son, do not forget my teaching for it will prolong your life and bring you prosperity, never let love and faithfulness leave you - bind them around your neck, write them on your heart - then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man."

I like the story of a boy who wanted to quit school before graduation. His dad gave him one of those inspiring lectures on the virtues of faithfulness and finishing what you've committed yourself to. He wrapped up his lecture with "remember Abraham Lincoln - he didn't quit. Remember Thomas Edison - he didn't give up. Remember Winston Churchill - he didn't quit! Remember William Greensfield!" The boy looked a little confused and said, "I remember Lincoln, Edison, and Churchill - but I don't remember William Greensfield, who was he?" His dad answered, "Exactly - you don't remember Greensfield because he quit!"

Question - how faithful are you? Do you follow through on your word? Can your friends count on you to be there in the hard times? The Bible claims that when we are faithful people, it prolongs our lives. I think that's because when we stand beside one another we soon discover that others will stand beside us. When we are faithful people it creates a state of peace within us because deep down inside we know it's the right thing to do.

In addition to a prolonged life, the Bible claims that faithful people will have a prosperous life. Now that just makes sense doesn't it? You see, business people who are faithful to the mission of their company get promoted. Faithful sales people close more deals and have more customers.

Not only does the Bible claim that faithful people will have a prolonged and prosperous life - it also says that faithfulness leads to a popular life. Think about it, who are you going to appreciate the most, the faithful dependable person or the person who flakes out on you all the time?

Listen, faithfulness is the foundation for a life that works. It is the passport to a prolonged, prosperous, and popular life, that's why it ought to be cultivated in all of our lives. So today, when you get the opportunity to faithfully follow through, just do it and watch what happens.