1 Corinthians 4:1-2 This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.

I have quoted verse 2 of this chapter many times, but haven’t always connected it with verse 1. Because the Bible is widely available, ministers aren’t seen so much as “stewards of the mysteries of God” the way they were before the printing press and vernacular translations. However, God does honor the office, and those in positions of leadership are often shown things that people not so designated might not see. That’s why verse 2 is so weighty. As James put it, “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1) The sad truth is that many ministers preach what they think their congregations want to hear, instead of what God wants them to hear. That is not being a faithful steward! This isn’t to stress the “clergy/laity divide,” as is done in some groups. Every believer is capable of being filled with the Holy Spirit, seeing things that can only be perceived in the spirit realm. However, it is to say that if you are appointed as a shepherd, you’d better apply yourself to the task!

Of course, this applies to me. I wish I could say I’ve always been faithful, but as Paul says right after this, God is my judge, even more than I am capable of judging myself. I realized years ago that things that seemed completely obvious to me were pretty opaque to many of those around me. It’s a major problem when that makes me feel proud or puffed up. When I am shown things, I’m to be faithful to share them with others, in ways that they can receive them. That said, I’m not personally responsible for how they respond to what I share; my job is to speak the truth in love. It is sometimes heartbreaking when people decline to receive the Word I share with them, but I am to keep praying for them, keep loving them, and keep expressing God’s truth to them. Sometimes the “loving” part can get difficult! However, I need to remember God’s patience with me, and so be patient with those to whom He has me minister. I will not be judged on their response, but on my faithfulness.

Father, this is a strong and timely Word. Help me apply it fully, as a faithful servant indeed, so that Your purposes for me may be accomplished on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!