Can you think of a character quality that we can teach our children that will assure them a clear conscience, faithful friends, success in business, no regrets … and many more?

 A US Senator was visiting Mother Teresa and her work in Calcutta. Staggered by the unbelievable amount of work, he asked, “How can you bear the load without being crushed by it?”  “My dear Senator,” Mother Teresa responded, “I am not called to be successful, but faithful.”

One of my most crushing moments came when a colleague I’d worked with, gone through tough times with, dreamed with suddenly turned against me in less than 24 hours because he was threatened by a seemingly more powerful man. How many of you have had your child run into your arms after a day at school. A best friend was suddenly a part of another group and teased your child. Have any of you happened to come across a trusted friend in the arms of another?

One little word “faithful.” The one greeting God will give those entering heaven one day will be, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Are we teaching our children faithfulness? Are we modeling faithfulness? If we work for an employer, are our words and actions assuring faithfulness? Do my children see that I am 100% faithful to their mother? Are we faithful to complete our small responsibilities when something exciting comes up that tempts us?

Gideon faced one of the biggest challenges in his life as commander of a nation. He was to defeat an enemy that covered the hillsides in front of him. His men were tired from days of marching. He may have been justified in turning and going home. But his job was to do what God had asked him – defeat the enemy. Then God sent all but 300 men home and told Gideon to only take trumpets, lamps and empty pitchers as his weapons! Gideon was faithful. One of the most unlikely battles was won because Gideon faithfully obeyed – even when it looked impossible. Faithfulness is a character quality that is never dependent on circumstances. Faithfulness needs to stand alone.

John Oxenham wrote a poem I’ve used before. Are we faithful?

Is your place a small place?

Tend it with care! –

He set you there.

Is your place a large place?

Guard it with care! –

He set you there.

Whate’er your place, it is

Not yours alone, but His

Who set you there.

None of us are perfect as individuals – nor are our marriages perfect.  As we work together to maintain our love and a strong marriage, our homes will be a good environment for growing and happy children.