Faithfulness is an attractive character trait.  We are naturally drawn to people with the self-discipline and focus to remain faithful in their relationships and to their cause.  Most of us are all too familiar with how easily distractions and temptations can derail our faithfulness.  Having a clear and compelling vision for the future gives us a picture of our goal.  Keeping that picture in mind is the key to maintaining focus and gaining perspective for steady and faithful service. Steadiness is found in the discipline of standing firm and not being blown off course by the storms of life.  Faithful leaders stay consistent in their commitment to always do the right thing no matter what.  They are visionary and understand that their faithfulness today bears fruit in the future.  I like this word picture in Proverbs:

As workers who tend a fig tree are allowed to eat the fruit, so workers who protect their employer’s interests will be rewarded.  (Proverbs 27:18)

Faithfulness is all about delayed gratification.  Good leadership is when you “tend to the fig tree” well today, so that someday in the future, you can “eat the fruit.”  A clear picture of our future goal gives purpose to our sacrifice today.  You cannot be short-sighted and remain faithful.  Faithful leaders understand that what they give up today is never lost.  What they sacrifice today is simply invested in a future reward that is worth waiting for.  It’s an issue of stewardship.

Christian leaders are workers for God’s greater purpose.  The cost of your sacrifices today are going to be totally worth it on that day in the future when you hear the Master say, “well done my good and faithful servant.”  For whatever you seek in the future, how you lead today matters.

“Faithfulness is not doing something right once but doing something right over and over and over and over.”

~ Joyce Meyer