22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

– Galatians 5:22-23

When most of us hear the word faithfulness, our mind automatically turns to marital fidelity. But the word extends far past that. In the original Greek of the New Testament, the word used is “pistos”. It simply means “reliable” or “trustworthy.” This understanding points towards character traits, and the Bible says these traits are vital for anyone who proclaims Christ.

They are considered so vital, in fact, that God’s Word directs us to bind it around our neck and write it upon our hearts.

Proverbs 3:3-4 says: “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”

What this means is that we are to embody faithfulness in every way. Our testimony of God’s goodness in our life is our greatest asset in bringing others to faith and building God’s Kingdom. The impact of our testimony relies completely on the faithfulness we possess.

Faithfulness often leads us to set aside our own will for the sake of others. This is counter-cultural to the society around us, which is often willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead. That’s why living a life of faithfulness provides such a powerful testimony. People are moved by the way that we live, and it opens up important conversations about faith in Jesus. They want to know what inspires us to live out our lives the way we do, and that’s when we get to tell them about Jesus.

Faithfulness is essential in the life of a believer. Never cut corners and resist the tendency to do anything that will compromise your character in this way. The power of your testimony relies on your faithfulness. Be reliable and trustworthy in everything you do, and you will influence the world for God’s Kingdom.