Faithfulness

Faithfulness is defined as being loyal, constant, and steadfast.   Does this word really mean much anymore in today's world?  In many marriages it doesn't.  Spouses are unfaithful to each other and divorce is now common.  What about in the workplace?   Employers are finding it much more difficult to hire folks who are reliable and can be trusted.  Many just don't show up on time for work or call in sick whenever it is convenient for them to do so.  When I was teaching I was often amazed at the many who acted like their sick days were personal days and used them all, whenever they wanted to, even when they weren't sick at all. How about in the community?  Many service groups are folding because they no longer can find members who are reliable and faithful.  Ambulance associations and fire companies are reorganizing for the same reason. How about in the church?  How many can be counted on to be there every Sunday, except maybe for an annual vacation or sickness?  It doesn't take much today to have folks miss services regularly, whenever they just don't feel like coming. People take more vacations today than they probably need because they can afford to financially.  And many find it convenient to hop around to another church every couple of years.  
     Growing up our family was in church every time the doors were open for a service but that is very uncommon today.  Boats, golf, athletic events, dining out or sleeping in seem to be more convenient for many.  And what about ministry in the local church?  Churches are finding it more difficult to find reliable volunteers who can be counted on.  Now this might be too extreme, but my grandfather, a pastor for over 60 years, was often criticized because he didn't want to take vacation.  Now he never had a problem having guest speakers fill his pulpit, but he just felt that it was his responsibility to be available to care for his congregation.  And he did care for them with over 1,000 visits every year. 
      Getting more personal, what about faithfulness in our spiritual walk?  Are Christians faithful to vital spiritual disciplines such as prayer and Bible reading?  I must admit that I was much more faithful when I was working and had a daily routine.  I used to have a regular prayer time when I got to my desk at work.  Now I do pray more often, throughout the day, but my more lengthy prayer times are often during the hours when I can't fall asleep at night.  But while we may struggle with faithfulness, our example should be the Lord who has always been faithful to His children - through the ages, season by season, day by day, moment by moment.  He was faithful in carrying out God's plan for our redemption. He is the same, yesterday, today and forever.  Great is His faithfulness!