Be Thou Faithful: A Biblical Call to Faithfulness

Introduction: Faithfulness in Context

Revelation 2:10 commands, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” These words, spoken to the church in Smyrna, are a timeless reminder for Christians to remain steadfast. The context of this passage is persecution, as the believers in Smyrna were encouraged to endure tribulation and remain faithful to Christ. But what does faithfulness mean, and to whom should we be faithful? The Bible consistently teaches that our faithfulness must be directed toward the Lord. As Revelation 2:13 refers to Antipas as “My faithful one,” it is evident that faithfulness must always be “unto the Lord.”

This article will explore faithfulness from two perspectives—negatively, by identifying misplaced faithfulness, and positively, by outlining what biblical faithfulness entails.

Negatively: What Faithfulness Is Not

Not Faithful to Men
Paul makes it clear in Galatians 1:10 that we are not to seek to please men: “For am I now seeking the favor of people, or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.” Faithfulness to God often requires standing firm against human opinions, traditions, and pressures. Jeremiah echoes this sentiment in Jeremiah 10:23, “I know, Lord, that a person’s way is not in himself, nor is it in a person who walks to direct his steps.”
Not Faithful to Human Institutions
Many well-intentioned efforts by Christians have resulted in institutions or traditions not authorized by Scripture. These human efforts often detract from God’s plan. We are called to focus on the Lord’s work, not institutions devised by men. Faithfulness to the Lord does not require allegiance to schools, organizations, or projects outside of God’s Word. Jesus warned against following human traditions in Matthew 15:9: “But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”
Not Faithful to the Church Over Christ
While the church is the body of Christ, our ultimate faithfulness is to the Lord Himself. Some might mistakenly place their allegiance in the church as an institution or in its leadership. However, as Revelation 3:1-5 illustrates, faithfulness to Christ supersedes any loyalty to people or organizations. Jesus commended the few in Sardis who had “not soiled their garments” (Revelation 3:4), showing that their faithfulness was directed to Him, not to a failing church.

Positively: What Faithfulness Is

Faithful to the Lord
Faithfulness begins and ends with the Lord. To be faithful to Him is to follow His Word. Jesus emphasized this in John 12:48: “The one who rejects Me and does not accept My teachings has one who judges him: the word which I spoke. That will judge him on the last day.” Similarly, Paul instructed Timothy to remain steadfast in Scripture: “All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Faithfulness to the Lord requires knowing His Word, obeying it, and standing firm in it.
Faithful as a Servant
Faithfulness also involves serving God according to His will. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:21, “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be an implement for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” A faithful servant does not act according to personal desires but follows the instructions of the Master. Paul also said, “It is required of stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). As servants, we are called to live sanctified lives, dedicating ourselves to God’s purposes.
Faithful According to Our Abilities
Faithfulness requires that we use our abilities in service to the Lord. In the parable of the talents, Jesus commended the servant who was faithful with what had been entrusted to him: “Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things; enter the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21). God expects us to use whatever gifts we have for His glory, whether great or small. Paul affirmed this in Romans 12:6-8, where he encouraged believers to use their spiritual gifts diligently and faithfully.

The Reward for Faithfulness

Faithfulness is not without reward. Revelation 2:10 promises, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” This eternal reward is the culmination of a life lived in devotion to Christ. Paul expressed confidence in this reward, saying, “I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to protect what I have entrusted to Him until that day” (2 Timothy 1:12).

Jesus also reassured His disciples of an eternal dwelling place: “If I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again, and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be” (John 14:3). Faithfulness to the Lord leads to the ultimate blessing of being in His presence forever.

Conclusion: A Call to Be Faithful

The call to faithfulness is a call to unwavering devotion to the Lord. It is not a call to please men, follow human institutions, or prioritize the church over Christ. Instead, it is a call to love and serve the Lord wholeheartedly, to live according to His Word, and to use our abilities in His service.

As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” Faithfulness is a lifelong journey, and it requires perseverance. But the reward is eternal—a crown of life in the presence of our Savior.

Let us take to heart the words of Jesus in Matthew 24:35: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” May we remain faithful to Him, knowing that His promises are sure and His Word endures forever. Be faithful unto death, and the crown of life will be yours.