NEWS: THEME FOR THE YEAR
Theme for the Year
FAITHFULNESS
Annie May Lewis, late librarian emerita, and Dr. Jack P. Lewis, professor emeritus, exemplify faithfulness at Harding Graduate School
Faithfulness flows from the character of God. The well-known description of the Divine nature in Exodus 34:6 identifies the great “I AM” as “abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” This declaration constantly appears in Israel’s statement of faith in passages like Psalm 86:15. God is always reliable and keeps his promises from creation to the Exodus, to the resurrection of the Christ, and to the return of the Lord.
Because of the Lord’s faithfulness, God calls on us to respond in the same way. God becomes the primary allegiance and priority, our highest commitment. If we place God first, above all else, our other commitments in life will usually fall into their proper place. In contrast, the biblical narrative calls attention to the unfaithfulness of fallen humanity from Adam to the flood, to the idolatry of Israel, to the mission of the prophets, to the fall of Jerusalem, to the crucifixion of the Son of God, and to the churches of Asia. Through it all, a remnant remained faithful to the word and will of the Lord. Today we can still hear the call of Joshua to serve God in “sincerity and faithfulness” (Joshua 24:14).
Faithfulness creates community—the church. Some may be tempted to separate faithfulness to God from faithfulness to his people, but they are really two sides of the same coin. Faithfulness creates a strong marriage and a good family. It is at the top of the list of family values that define wholesome entertainment. Christian singles model faithfulness in service and life style. Faithfulness creates ministry; the loss of it destroys ministry. If the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable, the use of our gifts will be based on faithfulness more than success. Because we have been faithful in little, he gives us much. We all long to hear the Lord conclude: “well done, good and faithful servant.”
In a world of declining loyalty and limited commitments, faithful Christians give hope. In a world where relationships often seem to fall apart, faithfulness can be the glue that binds us together. Faithfulness to God, the church, and each other provides a solid foundation for life on which we can confidently move to a future blessed by God.
