Friend, this letter is of great importance. I must warn you that in the matter of faith, divided loyalties of any kind will lead you astray. Turn quickly from the temptation to cherry-pick attractive morsels from the various religions and philosophies of the world and instead submit yourself wholly and willfully only to God. You are to rid yourself of your former ways of life and put on a new self, one created to be like God in righteousness and holiness devoted to the only truth, his Word. Do not complicate your life with unholy philosophies and alliances; rather, commit yourself exclusively to the one and only true God. Anything less than this is most unfaithful and counterproductive for the Christian. You should be willing and able to defend your religion in the righteous fear of God. Never give in to the urge to cast God aside in favor of worldly allures and popular but unholy convictions. Let there be no room for other fears, especially rejection, to result in your disloyalty to God, your Creator.
This faithfulness, I mean to impress upon you, is a hallmark of the Christian life. It is the quality of being loyal, devoted, and committed to God, his teachings only, and his purpose only for the entirety of your life. Faithfulness is not only about being loyal to God but also being loyal to your commitments, whether they are to your family, friends, or community. Faithfulness is the forerunner of trust; thus, it is an important ingredient in our relationship with God. It confirms that you believe in him alone, that you rely on him alone, and that you are confident enough with his promises that you have no need for a safety net.
The evidence that you have a saving knowledge of Christ is loyal obedience to his commandments, including loving God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind. You see, there is no part of you to be left for anything else. Although saved, we remain imperfect people who continue to be tempted by our sinful nature. Do not take salvation for granted and act as though you are unchanged. Train yourself to be godly, obey the Word, and rise above your nature, demonstrating your renewal so that others may wish to follow your example of faithfulness. Your singular loyalty to God is the sign of your sheer delight and joyful thankfulness for your salvation.
Let me remind you now that a Christian marriage is a relationship of mutual obligations entered into in the presence of God. Each spouse must offer to the other what is necessary to honor the vows entered into before God. Indeed, one of the most evident ways a Christian displays faithfulness is in the care and attention given to nurturing and protecting the marriage. Your spouse is a great blessing given to you so that you may more fully enjoy your life. Honor and treasure that blessing. You are called to love your spouse just as Christ loved the church, with loving devotion and lifelong fidelity. Love and give yourself to your spouse in absolute faithfulness, as it pleases the Lord. Finally, my friend, rejoice in the Lord and celebrate the power of the Gospel to comfort one who has turned to Christ. Thanks be to God for the victory over sin and death through Christ! Amen.
