Living by Faithfulness

Father Albertus Herwanta, O. Carm

The word 'faith' can sometimes feel like a vague spiritual concept, but the Bible presents it as something far more concrete and active. Through the writings of the prophet Habakkuk and the teachings of Jesus in Luke's Gospel, we see that genuine faith is best understood as a steadfast faithfulness. This loyal, persistent trust sustains us through seasons of waiting, challenging obedience, and humble service.

1. Faithfulness in Waiting: Trusting God's Timing

The book of Habakkuk begins with a cry that echoes our hearts in times of distress: "How long, O Lord?" The prophet is surrounded by injustice and violence, and God appears to be silent. When God does answer, it is with a perplexing plan: He will use the ruthless Babylonians to enact judgment. This leaves Habakkuk struggling to understand how a God can use a wicked nation.

God's response provides the foundation for a life of faith. He tells Habakkuk to write down the vision, assuring him that it will surely come to pass at the appointed time, even if there is a delay. The central command is this: "The upright will live by his faithfulness." Here, "faithfulness" (from the Hebrew "emunah") means steadfastness, loyalty, and endurance. It is not a passive hope, but an active, dogged trust in God's character and promises that allows a person to truly "live"—to possess hope and stability—even when their world is falling apart. It is faithfulness during the wait.

2. Faithfulness in Obedience: Trusting God's Power

In the New Testament, we see this same principle applied to the daily life of a disciple. When Jesus teaches about the demanding call to forgive others repeatedly, the apostles feel overwhelmed and cry out, "Increase our faith!"

Jesus's reply is profound. He redirects their focus from the amount of their faith to its quality. He says that if they had faith even as small as a mustard seed, they could command a mulberry tree to be uprooted and planted in the sea. It is not primarily about performing miracles, but a powerful metaphor for the impossible tasks of discipleship—such as radical forgiveness. The point is that even a tiny, yet genuine and active, trust in God's power is sufficient to overcome deeply rooted obstacles. It is faithfulness in obedience.

3. Faithfulness in Service: Trusting God's Grace

Jesus tells a parable about a servant who, after a long day's work, simply continues serving his master without expecting thanks. Jesus concludes, "So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'"

This teaching instills humility in our understanding of faith. It corrects the notion that our faithfulness puts God in our debt. True, steadfast faith recognizes that our obedience is simply our duty. Our ultimate standing before God depends not on our faithful performance but on His grace.

In summary, "living by faithfulness" is a resilient, active, and humble trust. It is what sustains us as we wait for God's promises, empowers us to obey His difficult commands, and enables us to serve Him simply because He is worthy. It is the practical strength and spirit of the Christian life.(*)