William Law, a former Church of England priest once remarked: “This, and this alone, is Christianity, a universal holiness in every part of life, a heavenly wisdom in all our actions, not conforming to the spirit and temper of the world but turning all worldly enjoyments into means of piety and devotion to God.” Colossians 3:17 confirms: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Fidelity is defined as faithfulness to a person, cause or belief, typically demonstrated by continued loyalty, and support. It can include devotion, staunchness, perseverance, prayer or other religious observances in our daily lives. An element of devotion is probably considered of paramount importance in any close ongoing relationship. It can include the love we have for others, perhaps the dedicated times we spend with our family, the interest shown in their individual activities, or the concern and encouragement given in times of doubt or despondency. In our Christian lives, it can be considered as one of the principles and practices of allegiance to God by prayer and the word. It can apply to many instances in life, and take many different forms, from the simplistic to the arduous. Attending church and accepting the enormous benefits that it has to offer is a primary example. Church, through song and praise can uplift our hearts and make us feel good within. It can also convey that inner goodness to others. It can see us through the most difficult of times. It provides assurance and comfort when we may not be feeling at our best, but perhaps more importantly, it provides sustainable hope for the future.
In most Christian canons, the Book of Ruth is regarded as one of the historical books of the Bible. The book is important as it clarifies not only the extent of God’s grace, but strives to teach contemporary society the true values of faith, loyalty and family relationships. God accepts Ruth into His chosen people and honours her with the role of continued loyalty. It tells the story of a Moabite woman named Ruth, who accepts Yahweh as her God. She marries a Judean immigrant named Mahlon. Upon his death, she becomes a childless widow who chooses to accompany her mother-in-law, Naomi, to Judah. Naomi protests the decision, but Ruth perseveres. Ruth 1:6-18 confirms: “Then she arose with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the fields of Moab that the Lord had visited his people and given them food. So she set out from the place where she was with her two daughters-in-law, and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah.
But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to her mother's house. May the Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. The Lord grant that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband!” Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept. And they said to her, “No, we will return with you to your people.” But Naomi said, “Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me? Have I yet sons in my womb that they may become your husbands? Turn back, my daughters; go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, even if I should have a husband this night and should bear sons, would you therefore wait till they were grown? Would you therefore refrain from marrying? No, my daughters, for it is exceedingly bitter to me for your sake that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me.” Then they lifted up their voices and wept again.
And Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. And she said, “See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more.”
Faith and loyalty to God should be considered as two of our greatest obligations in life. If we don’t display these attributes to those we love or to others, we could be considered as living a life of pretentiousness. Our hearts need to remain true and committed in purpose in order to attract others to the Christian faith. Marcus Tullius Cicero, a Roman statesman once remarked: “Nothing is more noble, nothing more venerable than fidelity. Faithfulness and truth are the most sacred excellences and endowments of the human mind.” Hebrews 10:22 confirms: “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”
For those in distress or turmoil, the love and protection of God is ever-present. He will always provide the necessary support required for any journey in life to be undertaken. Isaiah 41:8-10 reminds: “But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend; you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
There is little point in testing the temperature of the water by simply placing a big toe into it for a brief second. That does not provide any guarantee of assurance. The same applies in coming to know God. We can’t possibly understand or know the true values and benefits from a single visit to church or perhaps reading one chapter in the Bible. Our initial impression may have contained certain elements of individual reward, but if we do not pursue that opening, then we gain little. True understanding takes time, determination and continued effort. Without these factors we will never attain its true appreciation and full worth.
God’s love is everlasting and always unconditional. It is available to all who seek it. His mercies are infinite. His generosity, unequalled. Just like a good parent, He will guide and suggest, help and soothe, encourage and teach. However, we must not become impatient in our wants or needs. To God, every person is individual and unique. Even if one has rejected Him in the past and then repents and seeks salvation, he will be welcomed into the fold with open arms. He will listen to our prayers and always respond in our best interests. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 reminds us: “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
Amen.
