Feckless, Fickle, or Faithful?

Have you noticed that some words fairly drip with intensity and descriptiveness? Even the very sounds of these words help convey their meaning. You know the kind I mean. Words like snap, boom, sizzle, or fizzle, words like expunge, lunge, whack, and whirl. Interesting, you might say, but not very significant. Yet, words do have an impact.

As we deal with other people on a personal level, whether it is service providers, fellow workers, or those with whom we share social interaction, sometimes we have good experiences and at other times we are let down, disappointed, or maybe even abused by the actions of others. Certainly, there are some positive experiences that we all desire along the way.

There are many colorful words to describe people. On the negative side, there is the "feckless" person who doesn't have a clue. You know the type; ineffective, incompetent, having no sense of responsibility, one who is indifferent and lazy. Things just don't work out for this kind of person, but it never seems to be his or her fault. Someone else or some circumstance is the cause of their problems, at least in their own eyes.

Then there is the "fickle" person who is likely to change course because of a lack of commitment or instability. This kind of person is not constant or loyal. A fickle person is easily distracted and is blown about by every wind. You probably don't want them on your team, no matter what your endeavor.

And then, there is the faithful person. You know the type; one who is true to one's word, steady in allegiance, being loyal and constant, reliable, trusted, believed. This is a rare trait. King Solomon wrote about it in Proverbs 20:6, "Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man?" Jesus also commented on it in Luke 18:8, "Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"

It is a rare commodity today, but there are a faithful few who can be counted upon. These individuals are highly prized, or at least should be, in every organization or endeavor. They are the bedrock, the backbone, the ones who steadfastly cling to the values and core beliefs that sustain and propel a person or an organization forward, regardless of the obstacles faced.

Now, not everyone can be neatly categorized into one of three groups. Life is not that simple, and we all have our good days and our bad days. But, in the main, our habits and our attitudes determine our results—our success or our failure. Again, King Solomon wrote much about the "wise and the foolish" in the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.

The words "feckless and fickle" seem to characterize the foolish and the word "faithful" characterizes the wise.

"Even a child is known by his doings," wrote Solomon, long ago (Proverbs 20:11). So as we go our way each day, let us not be feckless or fickle, but faithful to those who depend upon us and to the Way of life described in the Bible. For Christians especially, it is the only way that brings true happiness and success.

If you want to know more about this way of life, you can order the free booklet What Is a True Christian? or read it online. Join the wise and leave the feckless and fickle behind.