Samuel-Part 2

faith·ful (ˈfāTHfəl): 1.loyal, constant, and steadfast. 2. having a strong belief in a particular religion, especially Islam.

 When I began to think about how I would reflect on this week’s message in the Samuel series regarding faithfulness, one of the statements made caught my attention immediately: “There is a difference between being committed and being faithful.” Being someone who values words and language so much, it was a bit of a shock to my ear to discover that there was a discrepancy between two words I had not yet uncovered. Putting my best detective skills, intellectual ideas, and my Google search engine to work, this is what I have come up with. “Committed” has been defined as feeling dedication or loyalty to a cause; while faithfulness has simply been defined as loyal, constant, and steadfast. If there is one thing in the world that is none of these things, it is my feelings. It is what I want to do from one day to the next. I have since wondered why we (or maybe just me?) are just now discovering this distinction. Are we not asked to RENEW our commitments to God daily? It is through constant and steadfast commitment that we achieve faithfulness.

I know it’s been eating at some of you since you started reading this. It’s been an eyesore. You’re worried I’m not going to talk about it and leave you in the dark. “Why wouldn’t she omit that?” “Isn’t this a Christian blog?” “I’M SUPPOSED TO FEEL MORE ENCOURAGED THAN THIS!”  But you read it right. In my quest to discover the true definition of faithfulness, it also became apparent that faithfulness is defined as having a strong belief in a particular religion-especially Islam. However, in the 1828 edition of Webster’s, the definition just says “religion,” and is full of references to Bible verses.

 My heart cannot help but sink at the statement Pastor Aaron made Sunday about how faithfulness is seen over time. Along the course of history, the world has come to recognize Islam as the religion of the faithful. And reflecting on the things I’ve witnessed – even my own life – who can blame them? We’ve spent decades in the church painting a picture of convenient Christianity, of comfort, not having to be too different. “At least we look like everyone else, we don’t require special wardrobe.” Why, instead of becoming complacent because our defining marks as Christians aren’t based on appearance or tradition, have we not sought to be as faithful in love, in righteousness, and in the Fruits of the Spirit that eradicate darkness unlike any false gospel has seen as the Muslims do in prayer and manner and dress? The truth is, the world is taking notice. It’s time we start to as well, and take back the very language of the nature of our God.

This week I challenge you: Recommit yourself to God every morning. Make a NEW promise for a NEW day. Let’s relearn together what it is to die to ourselves, and to be constant in worship as we go through our days. 

Written by: Brianna Vanderveen

Edited by: Jaime Hlavin