Overview of Faithfulness
What is faith? Most of us would say it’s believing in something we can’t see or that can’t be proven. That seems like a simple enough definition of faith.
I would agree that is one way to look at it.
Let’s go a little further by addressing the idea of how spirituality is a part of faithfulness.
Spirituality is widely recognized in various cultures, by different communities, and is even identified by science as an authentic idea. With so many aspects included though, there are a variety of types of spirituality.
In most realms, a spiritual person realizes that they are a part of something bigger, even if that “something” isn’t fully understood.
Characteristics of spiritual people bring about a greater acceptance, belief, assurance, and conviction.
Because of this view, gaining spirituality is important in understanding the concept of faithfulness. And one position of spirituality is faith in God.
In This Article
Thoughts About God’s Faithfulness
An obvious yet often brushed over thought about faithfulness, especially in God, is that it directly involves us. How so?
We often exist in expectations of faith by being told what to think and how to believe, yet we don’t. We still have free will and often need to address a healthier mindset to gain faith.
If we aren’t faithful, we sometimes feel like we are failing and decide it’s better to simply give up on the idea altogether.
Why is Faithfulness Hard?
People often incorrectly relate God to religion. Yet, He is not at church nor tied to a specific religion.
We get caught up in a supposed mindset that we must sit in church every week, or we are not faithful.
Then taking it a step further, because we feel like God lives in church, we associate what we see there with exactly who we need to be.
However, nobody is perfect; not those sitting in church, or anyone on Earth.
A mixture of the failed attempts at “perfection,” and the bad rap that comes when church goers fall from grace, are two sure fire ideas that cause us to give God a bad image.
Let’s put that idea into a simple example that we all can relate to.
Take a moment to recall a situation when you were in a restaurant, and had subpar service, and a less than excellent experience. You asked for the manager, and they were not very interested in your situation.
Not only will you likely never return, but you were probably quick to share your terrible time with anyone who would listen.
Those that are visible and on the front lines matter and they often receive the harshest criticism. Then, it trickles to the restaurant’s name in general.
The same thing happens with God when the church fails to deliver what people expect, or worse, we are hurt by church members.
Then, we blame God.
What People Do
So where has this whole concept of misrepresentation come from?
Religion has taught that God is wrathful and judgmental rather than loving.
This is a label readily shared, and we decide we don’t want to be a part of that.
Once you have a bad experience, it’s hard to go back!
When a negative experience takes place, or when we decide that the rules are impossible, we leave the situation quickly judging all aspects together rather than viewing it correctly.
When judgement occurs, the church is seen negatively, and it is directly related to God. So, by default, God gets thrown into the mix. His teachings, name, and ways are often diminished.
It gives us an out when we believe that the whole entity is a package deal.
However, nowhere is it written in scripture that the decisions of humans directly represent and are completely indicative of God’s thoughts and actions.
Thank goodness that’s not the case.
It is truth that we are called to love others and represent God in correct manner and with Christ-like character. Also, that humans drop the ball often.
That does not excuse the vial things that people do to each other nor make it okay that it sometimes happens in religion.
It does however mean that we should not relate God’s character to that of humans that misstep and hurt others.
There are numerous parts to understanding social wellness, and it is an important part of growth.
What People Think
The prior examples are of cases where we have been hurt by those that proclaim to be closest to God. But what about circumstances other than that? The simple belief issues.
The overall picture has many relations in general.
In addition to other aspects, it may be that we simply don’t understand faith or the whole concept. It is often hard to lean into something we don’t understand.
Let’s address the basic difficulty in the actions of increased faithfulness.
We may be introduced to the “rules” of faith and simply told how we should see things just because we are expected to believe. This is true even when we can’t see it.
Instead, we often stand by these truths which are what we know:
Because we can’t see it, we don’t believe it
Because we can’t relate to it, there isn’t truth in it
We often get hung up bouncing back and forth between the two ideas and can’t move into a greater place of faith. Our instinct is to want proof.
We might even take it a step further and decide that we have everything handled and don’t need to have faith in anyone or anything. This sentiment isn’t uncommon.
This is often the case when the ideas we think God wants us to follow are not the way we prefer. Or maybe not how we want to live, so we choose not to.
With so many difficulties and situations overshadowing our faith in God, let’s see how His faithfulness toward us can makes a difference in the idea of our beliefs.
Faithful View of God
Remember when we started the discussion with an idea that faith directly involves us?
We mentioned several encounters where beliefs can be shaky, we lack whole health, and have decreased emotional wellness.
Now, let’s look at some characteristics of God that show how He sees us, even when we don’t return the sentiment.
Correct Perspective
In most areas of life, our perspective drives our thoughts which in turn lead to our action steps.
This is especially true in faith.
A correct view of God births clarity and peace, helps us stay grounded, and promotes curiosity in our purpose.
It can change your life and begin a journey that you otherwise may not experience.
It can create an entire foundation that encourages excitement and success.
What is a correct view of God?
Let’s look at some of the characteristics and His faithfulness.
The Many Names of God
This concept is sometimes confusing because of the enormity it portrays.
We believe that God has many names which relays to the idea that He takes part in everything in our lives and is all we need.
Some of His names include Redeemer, Provider, Healer, Protector, and Creator. This only covers a small portion.
Notice that the names are characteristics of God. This further demonstrates how He loves us and takes place in each area that we need.
Even when we aren’t aware of it, He is there. And even when we don’t have faith in Him or believe yet, He still stays.
He’s always there just waiting to be near us when we choose.
This is true when we believe and slip up with mistakes, or when we aren’t even faithful to His existence.
The Power of God
Another great point to look at is God’s power.
Personally, I would much rather depend on what He provides, and is powerful to do, instead of my own personal abilities.
Besides creating the entire universe, God made us. He knew about us before we were born and placed us on this timeline at exactly the right moment, even if that’s sometimes hard to believe.
He also became man and lived on the Earth to encounter all the hardships that we do. However, with His infinite power and wisdom, He did it without committing sin.
Once the body of Jesus was placed in the tomb after He was crucified, God’s power rose Him from the dead.
That is an incredible view of how He is capable of anything. Everything.
He is the Most High which deems Him as the most powerful of all.
Even greater is the concept that He left us the same power on Earth and within our spirits. We have the same power that rose Jesus from the dead. (Romans 6:10-11)
But to use it and take the steps, we keep the correct perspective and belief. This creates hopefulness.
How to Gain Faithfulness in God
There’s no perfect or exact way to maintain the steps to stay closest to God. We need to be willing and do the best we can. Personal growth is important.
If you find it difficult to commit, try setting daily intentions for a more immediate view of movement.
God desires to be in relationship with us. He stays near for when we choose to take the steps to lean into Him.
Contrary to religious notions, God doesn’t punish us when we fail.
Our commitment does not promise an easy life but does provide us with the tools for when difficulties arise.
Staying close to God, and faithful to His ways, allows protection, greater understanding, and better character as we walk through life.
While each of our spiritual journeys are unique, there are 3 actions that can bring us into greater relationship with God.
Scripture
Scripture is one way that God talks to us and how He teaches us His character and to be more Christ-like.
Reading the Bible is often challenging, and we sometimes might even say it’s boring.
This is often based on perspective and even prior experience in church and with scripture.
When we ask God to give us hunger for His Word and to create motivation to read it, He does.
There are many translations of the Bible which makes it easier to find one that we like. Even the teen and children’s versions are a great place to start to see some of the basic ideas in simpler fashion.
Making the small effort to find a translation that we will read helps create the perspective that it’s important to have growth in relationship with God. He is very faithful to this movement. There is even Scripture for action steps.
Another thought to remember is that the Word is alive, “sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12).
Not only is it untruthful that scripture is old and no longer pertains, but it also teaches that the Word is powerful. We can use it!
God wants us to know that we are powerful, capable, and protected.
Worship
Another of the 3 methods to stay close to God and increase faithfulness is worship.
This can sometimes be mistaken for gospel music or just listening to a song.
True worship creates a connection between us and God.
Music is how God reaches our spirit. It is how He joins closely with us.
We were made to worship, so when we take the step, we are getting closer to God. He can move in our spirit. We are accepting Him and expressing our gratitude, appreciation, and realization of the place He belongs.
When we submit and decide to let God know He is important to us through worship, we can experience a much deeper connection and even tangibly have peace where there was none before.
It does take a willingness on our part to focus on Him and not the distractions around us. When that happens, we can feel His presence.
To be clear, this is not reserved for the elite and closest to God, anyone can experience a connection even without prefacing it with the perfect scenario. That’s because God’s faithfulness toward us creates an instant avenue when we are submitted and willing.
Gathering with others and experiencing worship as a group can be a very powerful experience.
Prayer
The final of the 3 steps for a closer relationship with God is prayer.
The word itself often makes us uncomfortable. I readily hear the comment, “I don’t know how to pray.”
Just as with asking to gain hunger for scripture and submitting to the worship process, prayer is a decision to reach out to God.
It is simply inviting Him into a conversation.
It is a way to deepen our relationship with Him, and it allows us to hear him also.
Even though we sometimes think it might seem weird, prayer can be viewed as communication just as we talk to other people.
Although it may be easier and more natural because our practice is to hear and comment on responses from others, we still had to initially learn that method of communication too.
Prayer is no different.
We make it too specific and often assume we aren’t doing it right.
However, God always hears us no matter the format or type of conversation.
He’s always there.
God already knows if we feel prayer is silly, or it seems strange. He also sees how we feel and knows all. But the point in prayer is to invite God in and share our lives with Him because we want Him there.
That’s how we build the relationship. God blesses us simply for being in His family.
Final Thoughts About “God is Faithful”
After reviewing the 3 ideas that we can use to have a deeper relationship with God, it becomes apparent that we play a big role in this.
Our choices are important as is our decision to believe in God’s faithfulness. Thankfully even when we are not at our best, He is unchanging.
It may still be hard to understand the whole concept of faith, but it does grow over time with intentionality and willingness to take steps. It was never expected to happen all at once.
One of the greatest benefits is better character and stronger foundation as we move along our journey.
A common verse that is often mentioned in this context is, “We walk by faith not by sight.” (2 Cor 5:7)
However, to further express the importance of faith, I often share the verse, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Cor 4:18)