Five Stones: The Essentials of Manning-UpSample

Stone 4 – Be Faithful: Finish Strong.

“Stand firm in the faith.”
1 Corinthians 16:13. NLT

Life is a distance run, not a sprint.

In a sprint, you take the track full throttle off the gun. But in a distance run, you first find your pace, keep it up, and then kick into gear for the finish.
Start easy; finish strong!

Faithfulness is proven by how well we finish. Not by how well we start, or even what we achieve in between. When all has been said and done, the faithful still stand strong. When faith get tested, the faithful aces the test. And when hard times come, the faithful are those who keep doing the hard things.

Financial faithfulness is not shown by what we do with our wealth alone, but even more so by what we do with our means when we ourselves are also in a bit of need. Faithfulness for greater things is proven by what we do with the little things. How faithfully we steward our resources will be seen by how well we invested our time, our treasure, and our talent throughout our lives. Faithfulness is not shown momentarily, but consistently.

Marital faithfulness is not proven by showing up for the wedding day. It is proven by showing up to share life every day. It is proven by sticking through the hard times, not by staying only for the good. It is shown by remaining loyal, committed, and invested until death.

Standing firm proves faithfulness against all odds. Paul knew this and often wrote about it to the churches and their leaders. Faithfulness is seen as a prerequisite of Godly leadership, and as such, of Godly masculinity too. Jesus is the image of Godly masculinity we were created to bear. And He proved faithful to us as the church, the bride of Christ. Even unto death. Even through resurrection. Even into eternity. He does a complete work! He finishes strong!

David also knew a lot about being faithful. Sure, he also had moments of being unfaithful, but since he was faithful in character he could repent and readjust his course (2 Samuel 12). When we first read about him, he was faithful in tending his father’s sheep (1 Samuel 16 & 17). Later, David proved faithful through various battles and adversities. He also stayed true to his promise to Jonathan and provided for his friend’s family (2 Samuel 9).

As a man after God’s own heart, there are many instances where David proved his faithfulness. In today’s reading, we focus on how he remained faithful to his cause and his community, even after a conquest. And how he kept his faith fresh by continuing to ask for God’s guidance in battle, even after taking the throne.

To man-up is to stay faithful and finish strong, throughout life’s highs and lows.

Meditations on Manning-up:

- What lessons on faithfulness can you learn from today’s reading?

- How can you be sure that you are standing firm and faithful,
instead of being stubborn? What’s the difference?

- What do you need to pray for today?