Matthew 24:45-47 NLT
[45] “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. [46] If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. [47] I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns.”

In definition and practice, we have, in Jesus, the perfect model of faithfulness, one of the crowning qualities of the Son.

In contrast to the ones the world commends and rewards… people who achieve great success, people who have beauty or intellect, people who are in the forefront in their particular discipline, people who generally stand out above others… Jesus made only one quality the criterion for reward, faithfulness.

1 Corinthians 4:2 NLT
[2] “Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful.”

Unlike those who receive accolades for being greater or better than the rest in the world’s eyes, everyone is elegable for reward in God’s kingdom. It’s not about competition. It’s about character.

What are the qualifications that meet God’s standard of “faithfulness”? I suppose we can consider many requirements that form the list of boxes God might tick. Let’s look at some as a guideline for us as we strive for the greatest of all commendations, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

These are random, not in order of priority.

Jesus told stories to illustrate His perspective of faithfulness.

1. Faithful use of God’s resources

Matthew 25:14-16, 19-21 NLT
[14]“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. [15] He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. [16]“The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more…
[19] “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. [20] The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’ [21] “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ “

Note that, in his commendation of two of the servants, it was not the amount but the faithful stewardship of his resources that he praised. Each was rewarded according to his faithfulness.

1. Faithful stewardship of duty

Matthew 24:45-47 NLT
[45] “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. [46] If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. [47] I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns.”

Duty implies doing the assigned tasks. The faithful servant is one who gets on with the tasks assigned to him regardless of how long the master was away.

1. Faithful stewardship of God’s Word

God’s Word is a package deal, a deposit given to His people for His divine purpose…to reveal the truth about Himself, His relation to people, and His requirements for His family for life under His reign. He gave it to us as a unit, to guard and keep intact, to believe and live by, and to pass on, unchanged, to the next generation.

Paul was careful to instruct his young protege, Timothy, about faithfulness to God’s Word, in three ways.

3a. Guard the integrity of God’s Word unaltered and unembellished.

2 Timothy 1:14 NLT
[14]”Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.”

3b. Pass God’s Word on to the next generation.

2 Timothy 2:2 NLT
[2] “You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.”

2 Timothy 2:15 NLT
[15] “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”

3c. Live by the requirements of God’s Word.

2 Timothy 3:16 NLT
[16] “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”

1. Faithful obedience to God’s calling and ministry

Paul’s example of faithfulness to his calling and ministry was impeccable…

1 Corinthians 9:16 NLT
[16]”Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News!”

Romans 1:14-15 NLT
[14] “For I have a great sense of obligation to people in both the civilized world and the rest of the world, to the educated and uneducated alike. [15] So I am eager to come to you in Rome, too, to preach the Good News.”

…as was his counsel to young Timothy.

2 Timothy 4:5-8 NLT
[5] “But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you…”

Paul’s own life was a testimony, to Timothy, of his faithfulness and the anticipation of his reward.

“[6] As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. [7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. [8] And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.”

1. Faithful use of spiritual gifts

Romans 12:6-8 NLT
[6]” +In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So, if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. [7] If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. [8] If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”

1. Faithfully doing good works

Revelation 19:7-8 NLT
[7]”Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself. [8] She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear.” For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God’s holy people.”

Hebrews 13:16 NLT
[16]” And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.”

“Good works” represent the sum total of our obedience to Jesus as Lord.

1. Faithful in prayer

Romans 12:12 NIV
[12] “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Faithful, as in keeping in touch with the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Spirit, to stay on track and to keep on doing the Father’s will.

There may be other evidences of faithfulness to the Lord and His work but these seven are sufficient to give us an idea of what faithfulness requires.

Jesus said we must always be ready for His return so that we are not caught off guard when He comes. Despite the unexpectedness of His appearing, we can always be assured that we are ready if we continue faithfully and lovingly to serve Him and His people untiringly, day after day, in these ways.

Matthew 24:42 NLT
[42] “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.”

1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT
[58] “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”