( Matt. 25:21 ; Dan. 6:4 ; Ps. 101:6 ) It was faithfulness that caused Daniel to stand out from all the others. If there is one characteristic or virtue that causes a person to stand out from the crowd and to receive God's undivided attention, it is faithfulness.

( Gen. 2:4-8,15 ; Matt. 24:45-47 ; Matt. 25:28-29 ; Heb. 12:12-13,16 ) The first function of the fruit of faithfulness is to equip believers to exercise stewardship over God's goods. God made man not only for fellowship but also for the purpose of being the recipient of and made ruler over His creation. God is still looking for faithful men to assume this rulership simply by obeying His commandments.

( Matt. 21:43 ; Rom. 11:29 ) We are to exercise God-given gifts. If we don't use them or stir them up, we will lose them. . We should learn to earnestly desire all the gifts. As we do we would find ourselves abounding in the 'true riches' and possessions.

( Nu. 12:1, 2, 5-8 ; John 5:30 ; John 8:3-11 ; Heb. 3:1-2 ; Heb. 11:16 ) Cultivating the fruit of faithfulness enables a believer to experience fellowship with the Father. Jesus was able to hear the Father's voice due to His faithfulness. As we become faithful, we will also be able to hear the clarity of the Father's voice, that is, to obey his commandments and to fulfill His will. Only as we develop a faithful and obedient heart will the Father be able to trust us.

( Matt. 25:21 ; Rom. 1:17 ; James 4:3 ; Gen. 18:16-19 ) We will be rewarded for our deeds which pleases the Father. God is more interested in faithfulness than He is in accomplishments. It is not what we think we should do, but what the father says to do , and then to do it, this pleases the Father. To stand firm in the word, this glorifies the Father.

( James 1:2-4 ; Luke 16:10 ; Eccl. 5:4-6 ; Eph. 5 ) Practice faithfulness in the home first. Unless it begins in the family, it won't work well outside. Start with what you already possess, and as you prove faithful, God will increase your responsibilities. Fulfill vows made in the past, practice love in the family, train up godly children.

( Col. 3:22-24 ; Luke 16:10 ; 1 Tim. 3:3 ; 1 Tim. 6:10 ) We are to be faithful in our work, with our finances, tithing. Our attitude and motives are to glorify God , not ourselves.

( John 8:29 ; Col. 1:27 ; 2 Cor. 6:16 ; Phil. 2:13 ; John 14:23 ; Acts 17:28 ) The most important way to develop the fruit of faithfulness is by being aware of the Father's indwelling Presence. The revelation of Christ within brings forth success in the things of God. As we cultivate this knowledge in our hearts, then our hearts will abound in love and appreciation for the faithfulness of our God to His word.