1. The extent of the teacher of God’s faithfulness is the measure of his advancement in the curriculum. 2Does he still select some aspects of his life to bring to his learning, while keeping others apart? 3If so, his advancement is limited, and his trust not yet firmly established. 4Faithfulness is the teacher of God’s trust in the Word of God to set all things right; not some, but all. 5Generally, his faithfulness begins by resting on just some problems, remaining carefully limited for a time. 6To give up all problems to one Answer is to reverse the thinking of the world entirely. 7And that alone is faithfulness. 8Nothing but that really deserves the name. 9Yet each degree, however small, is worth achieving. 10Readiness, as the text notes, is not mastery.
2. True faithfulness, however, does not deviate. 2Being consistent, it is wholly honest. 3Being unswerving, it is full of trust. 4Being based on fearlessness, it is gentle. 5Being certain, it is joyous. 6And being confident, it is tolerant. 7Faithfulness, then, combines in itself the other attributes of God’s teachers. 8It implies acceptance of the Word of God and His definition of His Son. 9It is to Them that faithfulness in the true sense is always directed. 10Toward Them it looks, seeking until it finds. 11Defenselessness attends it naturally, and joy is its condition. 12And having found, it rests in quiet certainty on that alone to which all faithfulness is due.