Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.
Revelation 2:10

Faithfulness is not a word we hear often these days. Sometimes we hear it at retirement parties, or we use it to describe our dog, or we think of it when we refer to “Old Faithful” at Yellowstone National Park. “Old Faithful” is famous for its faithfulness — it’s like clockwork!

It’s not easy to find someone who can be counted on – one who is dependable through thick and thin. The fact is that not everyone who volunteers actually comes through. We’ve all experienced that from time to time. Faithfulness is not just a religious duty we do on Sundays or when we are supposed to be “Christian.” There are Christians who are waiting for God’s will to be revealed so that can start being faithful to Him and start doing what He wants. What we need to remember is that God has planted us in a certain place and told us to be dependable and reliable. Christ expects us to be faithful in the very place he puts us.

I read about King Henry III of Bavaria in the eleventh century who grew tired of court life and the pressures of being a monarch. He sent a request to Prior Richard at a local monastery, asking to be accepted as a “contemplative” (one who meditated) and spend the rest of his life in the monastery.

“Your Majesty,” said Prior Richard, “do you understand that the pledge here is one of obedience? That will be hard because you have been a king.”

“I understand,” said Henry. “The rest of my life I will be obedient to you, as Christ leads you.”

“Then I will tell you what to do,” said Prior Richard. “Go back to your throne and serve faithfully in the place where God has put you.”

What has God asked you to do?  He has placed us where we are and we are to work with all our might, we are to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, we are to pray continually, and we are to share the love of Jesus with those around us.

This week the words from Steve Green’s song, “Find us Faithful” have been running through my mind. The words of that song encourage me, remind me and challenge me.

We’re pilgrims on the journey of the narrow road
And those who’ve gone before us line the way
Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary
Their lives a stirring testament to God’s sustaining grace

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful.
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey

Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful

Father, remind me that my choices, my decisions and my life have an influence and impact that stretch beyond my small world. I pray that those who come behind me will find me faithful.