Faithfulness in the Spiritual Life
The Main Idea of the Lecture
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the virtue of faithfulness as the foundation of the true spiritual life. A person cannot enter the Kingdom of God unless he is faithful in his spiritual life, because God rewards faithfulness even in small things and appoints the person over greater things. Therefore, the believer is called to remain steadfast in spiritual struggle and to resist sin until the end.
Faithfulness Toward God
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III emphasizes that the human heart is a temple of the Holy Spirit, therefore a person must be faithful in his relationship with God. This appears through keeping the heart pure, avoiding sin, and committing to service with seriousness without negligence. Faithfulness also appears in fulfilling vows, tithes, and firstfruits, and in honoring the Lord’s days and feasts, so that the whole life of the person becomes dedicated to God with sincerity and love.
Faithfulness Toward Oneself
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III calls the person to be faithful toward himself and his eternal salvation. Faithfulness means caring for spiritual growth, constantly watching oneself, and not being careless with sins or evil thoughts. He also compares the heart to a ship that may sink if water enters through a small hole; therefore, a person must keep his heart closed against sin and struggle against it with all strength.
Faithfulness Toward Others
Faithfulness is not limited to the relationship with God or with oneself, but also extends to others. A person is called to do good to everyone around him and to be a good example in his life. Faithfulness includes caring for the feelings of others and helping them materially and spiritually, and not ignoring the needs of the poor or the suffering. The true believer is the light of the world and the salt of the earth, and God appears in his life and behavior.
The Blessing of Faithfulness and Spiritual Growth
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that God rewards faithfulness with gradual growth in the spiritual life. Whoever is faithful in little, God appoints him over much, and whoever struggles in small matters, God grants him greater grace. Faithfulness in resisting sin leads to purity of heart, faithfulness in the fear of God leads to His love, and faithfulness in simple prayer leads to deeper prayer. In this way, the person grows gradually until he reaches spiritual perfection and receives the crown of life.
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