In school, in order to advance and be promoted to the next grade level, you have to pass tests. Likewise, God expects us to pass tests before we can move forward and increase in His blessings. Faithfulness is a test that determines this. It shows Him He can trust us with more responsibility, revelation, finances, or anything else He wants to give us. Many Christians are stuck in the same place for years because they just can’t seem to pass their tests, particularly in the area of faithfulness. God wants to promote us and faithfulness is the key.

According to Ephesians 1:3, God has already blessed, or empowered us with every spiritual blessing imaginable; however, we must prove ourselves to be faithful where we are before He can release the full manifestation of His blessing in our lives. Faithfulness in the Greek translation means “trustworthy; dependable and steadfast.” While this character trait often takes a backseat in people’s lives, it is a quality God requires us to have according to 1 Corinthians 4:2: “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful,” (New King James Version). Faithfulness qualifies us for our next level.

A faithful person is someone who remains the same no matter what. He or she is constant in faith regardless of situations and circumstances. During trials and tribulations, the faithful person will continue giving, walking in love, and living according to the Word. He or she is willing to stand forever, if that’s what it takes, to see the end of their faith. Through their actions, they demonstrate that they won’t allow their circumstances to move them from their stance on the Word. They also show God they can be trusted.

Faithfulness is the distinction between those who walk in great blessings and those who don’t. Where there is faithfulness, there will also be increase. Proverbs 28:20 says, “A faithful man shall abound with blessings ….” To abound means “to be full or abundantly supplied.” This is what will happen to you when you are faithful to God and what He has called you to do.

I know people who have been confessing the Word of God for years. They are believing God for great things, but nothing has happened because they aren’t faithful where they are now. One minute they are on fire for God; and the next minute they don’t have any time for Him. Or, they get excited about God’s Word as long as things are going well, but the moment a trial or challenge presents itself, they resort to their old ways of handling things. There is no consistency; and God can’t fully operate in the life of a yo-yo Christian.

Faithfulness is an attitude. We don’t wait until we get where we think we should be and then try to be faithful. No, faithfulness begins right where we are. Luke 16:10 says, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” If you didn’t tithe when you were on welfare, you won’t tithe when you become a millionaire. If you don’t help people with the $30,000 a year job, you probably aren’t going to help people if you make $100,000 a year.

Faithfulness is more than just saying we are faithful; we’ve got to pass the test of faithfulness and demonstrate through our actions over time that we are committed to God. He is always looking to bring favor and increase to the person He can trust to be a yielded vessel to Him. God is trustworthy and dependable, but the real question is, are we? Can God trust you to obey His voice and carry out the things He tells you to do?

I encourage you, today, to examine your faithfulness to God, His Word, and every other area of your life. Whether it is on the job, in relationships, or in finances, God is looking for consistent people. Remember, consistency is the key to the breakthrough. When you live a faithful life, it demands faithfulness from God.

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— Creflo A. Dollar