Fruit of the Spirit @ Work – Faithfulness

Whatever happened to the idea of loyalty at work? To be called a “faithful employee” would be considered an insult in most circles. Even employers don’t seem to value faithfulness. But God does!

The seventh aspect of the fruit of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 is faithfulness, which in the Greek had the sense of trustworthiness. For us, two questions come to mind. First of all, we are to be faithful to what or to whom? Clearly the Bible expects that we will be faithful first and foremost to God, as a response to His faithfulness to us. At the same time, since this list describes the fruit that results from the Holy Spirit’s control over us, it is something others should see. So the second question is what does this look like in the workplace?

God’s faithfulness, which through His Spirit can be exhibited in us, shows itself in His steadfast and unshakeable love, and in the absolute certainty that He will keep His promises. For us to be faithful to God in the workplace, and thus to the employers or marketplace to which He has called us, means that we will show the kind of self-sacrificing love God has shown to us without condition, and without wavering. Self-sacrificing – that is putting the other’s interests ahead of ours. As an employee we won’t jump ship just because we have a better offer from elsewhere. As an entrepreneur we won’t renege on agreements made with a customer just because we’ve seen a new business opportunity that would be more lucrative or more fulfilling.

Better offers don’t come along that often though. So perhaps the most common way in which we would see the fruit of faithfulness exhibited is simply through keeping our promises. If we make a commitment, whether to our boss, or co-worker, or client, or supplier, then we will keep it. Trustworthiness is a rare and highly valued commodity in most business and trade environments. As it turns out, it is really good for business! But even more than that, it is a small way in which we can exhibit the character of God.

Faithfulness in the workplace is not weak or to be despised. It is noble, strong and, I admit it, something very difficult. There are times I want to bail. And there are times I make commitments I shouldn’t have made. At other times the commitment was reasonable, but I don’t have the energy or resources to follow through. I’m praying for faithfulness to be more evident in me at work, by the Holy Spirit’s power – I can’t do it alone!