Faithfulness

2 Timothy 1:6 “For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”

Faith and faithfulness go hand in hand. Faith is in the mind and heart. Faithfulness is the outcropping; mind, soul, and body working in unison. Faith aspires to faithfulness. Faithfulness fans into flame a budding faith.

We mirror the trinity whom existed in perfect harmony from before time. God is spirit. We have a spirit. The Holy Ghost is the witness to truth. We understand in our mind by commandeering wisdom. The word became flesh and dwelt among us. Through his example and teaching we put our bodies in motion and succeed.

The Trinity existed, three in one, from the start. Together they enjoin in a beautiful dance of joy, partners in an inextricable embrace with love at the center. This joy and love is expansive, and God desires to create and share, so he set the world in motion: and it was good.

We are the benefactors if we allow. Mindful of experience, we are caught up in a cosmic drama. God loves what he creates, and he has made a way. He establishes purpose and direction. We respond. And we glean the bounty when we listen.

God fortifies our faithfulness with faith. That is not to say that we earn faith. Faith is a gift given with love. We simply accept God’s gracious invitation with awe and humility. But sin chosen brings doubt. In God’s economy of blessings this is a consequence.

We are best off when the two work together. We are strengthened by the knowledge that ultimate realities are set. We are encouraged when obedience brings joy. It is a mystery beyond finite calculations how the two work together. Faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit, God initiated but brought to fruition in the workings of our lives. As recipients we can just marvel at God’s gracious way, and submit.