Faithfulness oriented means that we direct or position ourselves toward faithfulness. Faithfulness to God’s will as it is revealed in the teaching of the Bible.

Being obsessed with fruitfulness we would seek to be fruitful above all else. But true fruit, which is not necessarily externally evident, comes from God. An acknowledgment that God causes fruit and growth leads to a pursuit of God.

Faithfulness

Faithful is worthy of faith, so steady, reliable, trustworthy, dependable.

Fruitfulness

We bear fruit by abiding in Christ (John 15:4)

Increase is caused by God (1 Corinthians 3:5-7)

A Test

Perhaps a test of whether we are positioning or directing ourselves toward faithfulness is asking – are we primarily seeking to conform to God’s will: acting, speaking, and thinking according to His revealed will in Scripture, or are we primarily seeking manifest, evident, or external fruitfulness.

Are we driven by our desire for fruitfulness to faithfulness? If so our faithfulness is temporary. If we realize the fruitfulness we desire, we will no longer see the need to be faithful.

Loving God is Primary

If our faithfulness does not come from our loving God, something that is part of our new creation (2 Cor 5:5; Rom 5:5), then our faithfulness is fleeting – it will come and go as we waver.