Fidelity: An Important Quality

I once had a conversation with two teachers, I think it was about 10 years ago. I remember that we discussed a wide range of topics, most related to theology. One of the conversation partners came from an Anabaptist background (let’s call him Al) while the other (we’ll name him Paul) reportedly held to a Wesleyan theology. I remember that at every turn of the conversation Al answered as one would expect one from his background to answer.  Paul, on the other hand, kept excusing his answers at times because he knew his answer was at variance with his espoused perspective.

Impressed with Al, I later offered him a job because I knew what I was getting with him. I knew that no matter what issue arose Al would handle it as an Anabaptist would and with deep humility. He was faithful to his theological position.  I remember reflecting on what impressed me so with Al.  I began that week to look for instances of a new character trait, fidelity.

Most of us understand fidelity as the definition of faithfulness in marriage, but shouldn’t we look for it in other areas as well?  Shouldn’t someone who teaches at a school, plays for a team, or works for a company be faithful to their work? If I worked at Pepsi, I wouldn’t want to be seen drinking a Coke. If I sold Toyotas, I don’t want customers seeing me in a Ford. It just wouldn’t connect.

In the same way we don’t want to see Christian leaders behaving in ways that don’t line up with biblical standards. I’m always impressed with the life of Daniel, one of Scripture’s best stories of fidelity:

So the presidents and the satraps tried to find grounds for complaint against Daniel in connection with the kingdom. But they could find no grounds for complaint or any corruption, because he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption could be found in him. (Daniel 6:4, NIV)

I’ve begun to look for fidelity not only to God and work, but also when it comes to thinking. I want to see someone have a reasoned position that holds together under scrutiny. I want to be such a person!  When I hire someone, I want to know they’re the “real deal” not just talking about things they don’t believe.  There’s enough of that in the world already.

One measurement of fidelity is who we are when no one is looking.  Do we cut corners, talk poorly, run through stop signs, or other short-cuts when we know there aren’t eyes on us? What is that we believe to be true?  Does our life-in-action, what we say, and what we think clearly connect to those beliefs?

The second measuring stick is one that is more internal, that no one can see. Do our private thoughts, actions, and affections support and line up with how we are known?  Are we really a “what you see is what you get” kind of people?

As we approach the new year, often a time to reflection and evaluation, let’s consider to what we are faithful. If we put our 2013 under the microscope, what would IT say about our fidelity?

 

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