Relationships are no longer for life. Percentages that are reported vary for new marriages ending in divorce, but they range anywhere from 20-45%. This is prevalent among born-again Christians as well as non-Christians. Christianity does not seem to matter much. Among marriages and committed relationships faithfulness is no longer a concept that enters into the long-term plan. No longer 'In love'? Then time to make a change and move on. Faithfulness also has changed in other areas of life. Whereas a man used to work for the same company for most of his life-time, the time spent with at one job has changed drastically. Every five years or so, it feels like it is time to make a change. Retirement pensions through companies are rare and you now have to fund your own retirement through careful planning and saving. Church hopping is common place. Don't like what your church has done in the last year? Find another one. Is the pastor being too judgmental about your lifestyle? Find another church. Just don't 'feel' fed anymore at your church? Time to look for a new one.
I have been looking at faithfulness and how absent it is. Absent in marriages, absent in families, absent in churches, absent in jobs, and absent in friendships. In a 'me' culture that puts everything at our finger tips, it is difficult to remain faithful when the next best thing is always right around the corner. Yet God is faithful. It is everywhere in scripture. Psalm 136 which repeats this phrase underscores how important it is: "for his steadfast love endures forever" No one wants love that is not steadfast or does not endure forever. If we knew that we would have love for five years after which it would turn to hatred, we would all run from it. No, faithfulness in love is fundamental to love. Without faithfulness, love is not love. Without faithfulness, any of the other fruit of the spirit is pointless. Being good for a few days does nobody any good. Loving your wife for four years is not a recipe for a life-time of marriage. Being kind for the morning of a day, leaves everyone in the afternoon to deal with the grouchy you.
But Israel was told at the beginning, "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations." (Deuteronomy 7:9). God is your God. What type of God? The Faithful God. He keeps his covenant and has steadfast love. For how long? To a thousand generations. "The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he." (Deut 32:4). "Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds." (Psalm 36:5) Let's meditate on his faithfulness and "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23). And finally, let us pray for strength to be faithful in all things.
