What Does It Mean to be Faithful?
Perhaps the best way to figure out what it means is to look at some of its synonyms like ‘loyal’ and ‘steadfast’ as well as ‘trustworthy’. Or in other words, to be faithful is to cling to something, out of respect or belief in that thing.
For instance, in another book of the Bible, John says, “If you love Me (God), keep my commandments,” (John 14:15). We are called to follow God because we are also supposed to love Him and love the goodness He possesses.
Following God and obeying His commandments is one way we can serve God ‘faithfully’.
Which brings us back to the verse we’re discussing, Proverbs 28:20. This verse reads, “The faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.” There’s our word ‘faithful’ again.
But this verse doesn’t specify exactly who we’re supposed to be faithful to…or what. A Christian can be faithful to both God and to their job. In fact, we are called to do our work as if we’re “working for the Lord and not for human masters.” (Colossians 3:23)
HOWEVER, while we are called to do our best work, we are also called to remember what our first priority is, and that is honoring God. Accumulating wealth and personal gain aren’t bad things in themselves, but if it’s what you strive for, or your life’s purpose, then there can be a problem.
After all, Matthew 6:24 reminds us, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
This lines up with what our verse in Proverbs is trying to tell us. If we are faithful in our work and do our jobs diligently, in most cases that will be rewarded or ‘blessed’. On the other hand, a man seeking money will not go unpunished.
Why?
Well, if your focus is on money, then most of the other things in your life will become a lower priority. This is why workaholics don’t see their family as much as they should or miss major events because they’re (in some cases) seeking more money.
Now again, we need money. Without money, it would be impossible to buy food or other necessities. And, if you meet someone who is wealthy, that doesn’t mean they’re going to be punished in the future, because of their status.
Wealth can be a gift from God as well.
As 1 Samuel 2:7 says, “The Lord makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts.” This verse shows that God alone has power over whether or not we will have an abundance. A house fire can raze a billionaire’s expensive beach home, and a poor man could be promoted to a high position due to his hard work.
Possessions are temporary.
We need to focus on what isn’t.
God.
“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
Matthew 6:19-21
