FAITHFULNESS

1. Introduction

The subject of our reflection is centred on the theme of 'Faithfulness'. Faithfulness is an essential and vital virtue for both humans and animals alike. In any form of community life, it can arguably be considered the most crucial element. We will attempt to address this topic with a specific focus on the youth. First, we will define the meaning of faithfulness. Following this, we will examine how faithfulness earns honour and respect. Next, we will collectively reflect on faithfulness as a foundation of reliability and steadfastness in keeping promises. Finally, we will bring our topic to a close with a conclusion.

 2. What is the Meaning of Faithfulness?

To make our topic clearer, we will attempt to explain it from its linguistic roots. The word 'Faithfulness' is translated as ‘Pistos’ in Greek, while in Hebrew it is termed ‘Emuna’. Their meanings imply a reliable person who fulfils responsibilities just as expected, and someone who is a dependable anchor for others—these are the traits of a faithful person. To elaborate further, the meaning of faithfulness can be described in various ways depending on our standard of measurement. We might put it this way: faithfulness encompasses "being dependable, being trustworthy, standing firm on promises, and doing what ought to be done." Let these stand as the expressions of faithfulness we highlight. Depending on our metrics, what we define as faithful may vary. At the same time, I believe we can certainly expand upon many other meanings beyond those listed here.

What makes anyone truly great and admirable does not lie in their higher education or wealth, but rather in whether they uplift and champion faithfulness. Those who possess immense knowledge and eloquence but lack integrity are easily outshone in any time or place by those who faithfully carry out their designated duties, earning the praise and honour of others.

3. Faithfulness is the Earner of Honour.

Though faithful people often face numerous hardships in the beginning, they ultimately achieve victory - a truth that those who practice faithfulness know all too well. Today, we are heavily inundated with a lack of integrity, selfishness, and greed for the fruits of others' labour. The desire to possess what is not rightfully ours is actively corroding our society, country, and nation. There are undoubtedly many who have fallen into public disgrace because of this vice. Without faithfulness, life loses its value and dignity; it only breeds enmity.

Let us learn the immense value of integrity through the faithfulness of Abraham Lincoln. When Lincoln was just 24 years old, he served as a postmaster in New Salem, Illinois, earning a meagre salary of only $55.17 a year. In 1836, the New Salem post office was closed. Though many years had passed, an agent from Washington arrived to settle the accounts, stating that the post office owed a balance of $17 (assuming that $17 carried significant purchasing power at the time). By this time, Lincoln had already been practising as a lawyer.

Lincoln went into a room, rummaged through an old chest, and pulled out an old, tied-up, yellowish cloth pouch. When they untied it and counted the money inside, it came out to exactly $17. It turned out he had left that money completely untouched for years, fully aware of its existence! Lincoln handed the money over, telling the agent, "I never use any money except my own." Had Abraham Lincoln been a man devoid of integrity, he would have faced great disgrace in this matter. Instead, his faithfulness brought him honour. Though many years have passed, he earned an undying good reputation instead.

Bearing in mind that faithfulness is our finest and most beautiful adornment, everyone needs to keep it alive. Faithfulness brings joy and dignity to life. Furthermore, it transforms us into truly 'spiritual' individuals. It holds far more weight in the hearts of people than a multitude of spoken words. Let us recognise anew that it is an excellent tool for the mission.

4. Faithfulness as a Dependable Foundation.

Let us define the meaning of the word 'foundation' or 'dependence'. People often use this proverb: "When a father and son encounter a tiger in the wilderness, the son uses his father as a shield." For instance, even if the father might not defeat the tiger, to the son, the father remains his ultimate reliance. A foundation or anchor refers to the refuge and main support a person turns to when facing hardships or deficiencies that they cannot resolve on their own.

When we look at the family, the church, and society, the youth serve as the foundation for all of them. If the youth neglect the family, the church, and society, these institutions stand on the brink of collapse. Every youth, in their respective capacities, serves as a central pillar of support. In the days of our ancestors, houses were constructed with a main central pillar as their foundation. As long as that central pillar stood firm, the inhabitants of the house experienced peace of mind. However, if the central pillar became unstable and unreliable, the house was no longer safe to rely upon; it became necessary to dismantle it and rebuild anew. This central pillar is incredibly vital because it holds the structure upright even when fierce storms and heavy rains rage. Notably, the central pillar is precious and useful not just for stabilising the house, but because it serves as the primary support for children, the sick, and the elderly to hold onto.

The youth are the central pillars supporting the Family, Society, Church, and Nation. We are the anchoring pillars that must remain unshaken when the storms of vice rage, holding things together to bring security. Just as a central pillar being eaten away by termites signals a collapse, whenever the youth crumble, our world (our community and land) is bound to ruin. If so, "what constitutes the termite for the youth?" The termites that can destroy the youth are certainly numerous. However, out of many, we will mention just a few:

Alcohol is what consumes the youth. Because some youth desire to drink, they desperately try to justify it. Some say, "People who drink alcohol tend to be industrious." That might seem true on the surface. However, there may be many naturally industrious people who happen to drink; they are not industrious because they drink. In reality, the reason many drunkards are industrious is simply that they expect alcohol as their wages. Truth be told, alcohol confuses the mind, harms health, and destroys the body. When our physical health fails, we dread any kind of work, and the words that most frequently exit our mouths are excuses. Therefore, drinking is not a sign of diligence but rather of laziness; it renders us useless and unreliable.

Laziness in reading is another termite consuming the youth. We youth do not spend much of our time reading. We do not even read the Bible, which guides our bodies and souls. Many among the youth cannot even tell how many books comprise the Bible or explain its value. Despite this, we are highly prone to arguing using Bible verses. We often misinterpret the Word of God, which shows a lack of reverence for Him. Since books are the compiled wisdom of experts, spending time reading books affectionately yields far more value than keeping company with foolish or idle people. Books are good friends that grant us wisdom.

As previously stated, the youth are the primary foundation of the Family, Church, and Society. Therefore, we must act wisely. It is highly unlikely that anyone would want to rely on an ignorant or lazy person as their foundation. For a reliable foundation, we are far more likely to choose those who are wise and diligent.

We have compared the youth to the central pillar of a house. From this, we can clearly understand our role as a foundation through both good times and bad. Yet, how numerous are the youth who show up prominently when things are pleasant, only to vanish completely when hardships must be endured! It is high time we abandon this negative trait. John Wesley once noted, "If anyone is unwilling to bear his cross, he is not fit to be a Christian." Therefore, as the foundation for others, we must prepare ourselves to fully carry out our responsibilities. We must live faithfully so that people can confidently place their trust in us. If we can live this way, our names will resound beautifully in the minds of others, and we will joyfully receive the cup of honour.

 5. Faithfulness in Standing Firm on Promises.

Promises can take many forms: promises of work, promises of love, marriage vows, covenants between God and man, promises of keeping secrets, and promises made to oneself. The fulfilment of all these promises is achieved solely through 'faithfulness'. Faithfulness keeps the promise alive to ensure its fulfilment; no matter how difficult or painful it gets, faithfulness never betrays.

 In this day and age, those who break promises have multiplied significantly. In particular, it appears that those breaking marriage vows are on the rise. Many people violate marriage because they disregard it as a covenant sealed before God, breaking the vow "until death do us part" during their very lifetime. We can attribute most modern divorces to unfaithfulness. This is because there are many youths who do not comprehend the value and sanctity of a promise. Promises are often uttered easily just to achieve a desired end. Every promise, over time, is bound to be tested by difficulties. In those moments, one who lacks faithfulness breaks the promise without feeling any remorse. Particularly for the youth, as this is the peak phase of our vitality, our minds are often hasty, and we make decisions far too easily and quickly. Therefore, it is vital for the youth to be reminded repeatedly to tread carefully and deliberately in their daily lives.

Because of unfaithful people, faithfulness itself is brought into disrepute. People often say, "Ten good deeds can be ruined by a single bad one." Equivalently, while faithfulness is the ultimate value of human life, unfaithfulness can destroy it in the blink of an eye. Let us observe our land. When we apply for jobs in the government, in companies, in hospitals, or in schools, we promise to work faithfully. Yet, corruption continues to gain ground almost everywhere, making honesty look like something shameful and contemptible. There are undoubtedly many stories of people losing their jobs or being transferred simply because they chose to remain honest. When our colleagues decide to report an expense of a thousand (1000) for a task that costs five hundred (500), we become a nuisance to them if we cannot align with such politics. At times, acting with integrity can make one the target of public animosity. Furthermore, the success of unprincipled individuals can sometimes turn faithfulness into a laughingstock. Nevertheless, even if these trials occur due to our integrity, we must remain resilient and maintain a pure heart. Why then, should we remain faithful?

First and last, it is because He who died and is alive again carefully commanded us to do so. The Christians in the city of Smyrna faced immense hardships during their time. Because they did not possess the mark of the beast, they were forbidden from buying or selling. We can say that the apparent cause of their suffering was Christ, because they refused to worship Caesar as God.  Amidst these tribulations, they were called upon to be faithful unto death, with the promise that they would receive the Crown of Life. What we can glean from this is that moments requiring absolute faithfulness will inevitably arise in our lives as youth. In those times, let us remember the Church in Smyrna. Today, we are given the same command as they were, and the Crown of Life is laid up for us as well. However, let the reason for our faithfulness through all our circumstances always be for the sake of Christ.

6. Conclusion.

As discussed above, while faithfulness can bring us honour, praise, and dignity, it can also face severe trials because of unfaithful people. Therefore, let us as youth constantly remember that a lack of integrity brings about our ruin. The need to be faithful will continuously present itself in our respective lives. The areas and reasons where we need to be faithful to one another may differ. Regardless, it is high time we prepare ourselves to keep faithfulness alive until we die in whatever situations we encounter. As mentioned, let us remember that the youth are the central pillars supporting the Family, Church, and Society, and let us guard ourselves against intoxicants and various vices that can destroy us. Let us, as youth, continue to dedicate ourselves anew to Christ. May faithfulness be our primary sustenance both physically and spiritually. May the Lord bless our words, Amen.