Faithfulness

The fruit of the spirit comes in many forms and in many ways. It is a composite meaning the lifestyle as a whole. Another words, we cannot chose which we want to exhibit and which ones we do not. It is our life and what we do with it. It is our character and the type of person that we are. It is an unbroken whole, we cannot pick only the fruits that we like or distribute them to only people we like. Another words, we must accept it as a whole and then distribute it as a whole. It is an all or nothing choice here. It also is an ideal that seems so difficult for most people to accomplish, myself included. It is an easy thing when the people you deal with are one’s that you like. The real test comes when you are faced with those that you do not like or even worse cannot stand. Yes, I feel you as I am guilty of the same thing. My thoughts and feelings are not always docile towards some people.

The one most inspiring concept to me, besides love has always been faithfulness.  In Greek the word is “pistos” meaning to be trusted, reliable, believing, to be counted on at all, of firm persuasion, faithful. That is a very strong definition and seems to be a mountain to stand up to. It speaks of strong character. It is also the seventh “fruit of the spirit”…..it is defined as standing fast, loyal, devotion, tried, constant, unwavering, resolute, honest, etc. I could continue on but I’m sure we all understand the strength of character that it entails. It can be something so very difficult to live up to. Remember this is also a trait that is all or nothing and applies to friends as well as enemies. You cannot chose when, where, or who to apply this concept to. I believe that is what makes it most difficult to accept and practice. Spiritually speaking this means or rather is rooted in “faith”. It is the root of the word. Given that thought, how can a person truly fulfill the meaning, live up to it in its entirety when that person has no faith outside of their own capabilities?

This is an attribute that I believe is so strongly needed in today’s uncertain life. Sometimes it is simply enough to have one person in your life that fills that void. The one person you know will always be there no matter what. I cannot speak for anyone but myself, and from my perspective that is such a hard trait to find in people. We are human and by nature will hurt each other intentionally or otherwise for the simple fact that we are human and, therefore, not perfect beings. Since that is the one fact that remains concrete…there is no variable. Why is then that since we recognize that human fault we do not strive to achieve at least some of those traits? I have been and still am in situations where I try my best to fulfill that role and the other person be it selfishness or not doesn’t come close. That in turn frustrates me to no end. I am human and still forget that we are not all the same. I sigh after that realization and move on. I have also come to realize that just because I live under certain morals and ethics as a person, not everyone else does. So after being thrown under the proverbial bus so many times, I have given up expecting any different. Some people do surprise me but for the most part I still feel let down. The difference is that since I have managed my expectations and keep them so low, I am pleasantly surprised much more than let down.

I am left pondering how one can be this strong of a person to completely embody the full meaning of faithfulness and do we as individuals require a faith of divine levels to fully grasp the meaning? I am a very strong believer that faith, especially blind faith in life can and does lead to deeper understanding of one’s self. This being said, once you fully understand who you are, your true self….the one that no one but you knows….then can you begin to journey on and attempt to embody the strength that this faithfulness calls for. Leaving the spiritual aside, I would love to see it simply put into practice amongst us as friends, co-workers, lovers, parents, etc. In today’s harsh and cruel world dependability and reliability seems to apply in our professional lives only. It is no longer practiced in our personal lives.

I have learned the hard way that to be a good friend one must take the good with the bad and remain loyal to who you are regardless if that friend reciprocates the gesture. This is a trait that is for us as individuals, regardless of what one may think of us. Another words, we shouldn’t be a faithful and loyal friend for the simple fact that we crave recognition. We should do it because it is the right thing to do. I have come across a lot of people in my path. Some have come and gone while some have remained steady. What I have realized in this journey is that those that simply pass through always come back because I have been the rock that never changes. My door is always open; I am always willing to listen no matter what. Those that remain a constant are people with the same belief system and who embody loyalty and dependability as much as I do. In that group, I can count on one hand, but I know that no matter what, when or how I need there is always a voice on the other side of the phone. I am more than happy to keep my circle small but concrete. It is a trait I would hope more people would try to achieve, as the world would be a much better place.