The Christian is given the responsibility to examine himself (I Corinthians 11:28) and to work out his or her own salvation (Philippians 2:12). Thus, it is the individual Christian who must determine his or her own faithfulness. But, how can the Christian know if he or she is faithful? The standard for knowing and understanding faithfulness is the word of God (John 12:48 ; Amos 7:7-8). Unfortunately, Christians often compare themselves to other Christians when we should compare ourselves to Christ and follow His example (I Peter 2:22).

One aspect of determining faithfulness is Bible study. Peter said, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby" (I Peter 2:2). The spiritual growth of a Christian comes directly from the word of God. In Jeremiah 15:16 we read, "Thy words were found, and I did eat them: and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of thine heart: for I am called by thy name. 0 Lord God of hosts." Nourishment of the soul is found in devouring the word of God. Our very faith comes from the word (Romans 10:17). Thus, faithfulness is found within the scriptures. Paul told Timothy, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). Daily Bible study is important in answering the question at hand.

Another trait of the faithful Christian is prayer. The faithful Christian will "Pray without ceasing" (I Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer is important to the Christian. Through prayer we make known our requests unto God. Through prayer we give God praise and show thankfulness for the blessings of life (Ephesians 5:20). And as we pray, we pray with a pure and holy heart.

Furthermore, attendance is important in understanding the Christian and faithfulness. Most often, attendance is stressed over other factors in measuring faithfulness, when it is only one of many. In saying this, if one is not attending, they are most likely not fulfilling other God given responsibilities In Hebrews 10:25 we read, "Not forsaking the assembling yourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much more, as ye see the day approaching." We are not

Our Christian walk in life is another measuring tool of faithfulness. In Ephesians 4:1 we read, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called!" Paul encouraged the church to walk worthy of the Christian life. In essence, we must live the Christian life of responsibility. A similar statement is found in Colossians 1:10, "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God." Hence, the faithful Christian, lives the Christian life pleasing the Lord, first and foremost. In the sermon on the mount, Jesus taught all to seek God first. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). As a result of seeking and putting God first, the blessings of God will be added unto the faithful Christian.

Finally, the Christian must be obedient to the word of God. In Joshua 24:15 we read about making a choice, "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Faithfulness dictates that the Christian serve and obey the Lord. The Christian is willing to do the will of God (John 7:17). Those who do the will of God, will go to heaven (Matthew 7:21). Hence, the faithful are those who do the will of the Lord. In Hebrews 5:9 we read, "And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;"

In summary, one can know if they are a faithful Christian via daily Bible study, daily prayer, attending when the church meets, lives the Christian life in a worthy manner, by placing God first and if they are always obedient unto the teachings of God.

Donald Underwood
Chula Vista, Ca.