“Excitingly, for the follower of Jesus there is a much loftier definition of success—being a faithful steward of the Lord.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 22, 2022
This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2
There is a misconception in Christian circles today that success means something bigger. A bigger bank account, bigger car, bigger house, bigger job, bigger reputation, bigger church or as Jesus described, “bigger barns!” And as such, bigger doesn’t have to be bad, if it has its proper place for something better. Excitingly, for the follower of Jesus there is a much loftier definition of success—being a faithful steward of the Lord. Faithful to the end. A faithful Christian. Faithful husband, wife. Faithful mom, dad. Faithful son, daughter. Faithful friend, colleague. Beautifully, the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, etc. flourishes over a lifetime of faithfulness.
Paul excavates this idea of faithfulness with the imagery of a manager of God’s mysteries. Not an Agatha Christie mystery, but the deep riches of His love, humility and wisdom—indeed all the attributes of Almighty God. Over a lifetime of faithfulness followers of Jesus experience the depth of knowing the mysteries of God, so in their Holy Spirit revealed discoveries these humble servants can live out and share with other curious seekers of the Lord—His truth and grace. Paul makes his point emphatically, “it’s required of stewards that they be found faithful.” Are you?
“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).
Henri Nouwen explains how our vulnerability is linked to fruitfulness. This high level of authenticity is a result of our faithfulness, which produces fruit pleasing to God. Henri says, “And the amazing thing is that our fruitfulness comes out of our vulnerability and not just out of our power. Actually, it comes out of our powerlessness. If the ground wants to be fruitful, you have to break it open a little bit. The hard ground cannot bear fruit; it has to be raked open.” Our fruit from faithfulness is the result of having a vulnerable heart, so the Holy Spirit can continue to break up the hard parts of hearts, where life can be nurtured within healthy soil.
Is protective pretense your demeanor or powerless vulnerability? Faithfulness grows the more you let go and not feel the need to control people or circumstances. You are God’s manager, which means in prayer you regularly ask the owner of your life how He wants you to serve. And even more importantly, be vulnerable with the Father, Son and Spirit about your fears and failures. Perfect love and grace will heal your broken, needy heart. As you submit your whole being and all you have to Almighty God, you are in a fruitful position to be trusted with His blessings. Be a follower of Jesus who stays faithful on the long road of love and obedience. And, along the way and at the end of a fruitful life, no sweeter words will you hear than for Jesus to say, “Well done my good and faithful servant…enter into my joy!”
‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:23).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me a faithful heart to follow you in love and obedience, through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
In what area of your life do you need to become vulnerable and ask for help?
Related Reading
Numbers 12:7; 1 Kings 3:6; Colossians 4:7; Hebrews 3:5
Worship Resource
Moses Bliss: Too Faithful
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