1 A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God's mysteries. 2 In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one be found faithful. 3 It is of little importance that I should be evaluated by you or by a human court. In fact, I don't even evaluate myself. 4 For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. 5 Therefore don't judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 (HCSB)
I was reading from 1 Corinthians and this passage struck me hard. It ties in so perfectly with what we have been talking about in our church.
When I lived in Kentucky I managed a restaurant. It was family owned and when I started working there the restaurant was entirely run by the owner and his wife. As time went on, I gained their trust with hard work and success. The owner started handing over more and more responsibilities to me. Eventually, I was named the manager and basically ran the whole place, all because they had entrusted me with the responsibilities of the restaurant.
We are entrusted with doing God’s work here on earth. It is our responsibility, in the church, to do the work of Jesus Christ. We must influence the community with God’s ways and live an example of his love for the lost. That doesn’t mean that we have to make the lost people act like Christians, or try to influence legislation or politics, but that we need to love them, teach them, and let God change their heart. The world doesn’t need to act like Christians they need to be Christians.
We don’t work for man, who is often overly critical of our efforts. The church should never do things to be recognized or to please man, just like leaders and servants in the church should never do things to be recognized, or to please man. Instead, out of a desire to serve Christ, we should be found faithful in doing God’s work.
I think far too often those who are most willing to serve God with their gifts and talents are discouraged from it, because of the criticisms of man. Pastors, ministers, volunteers, and Christians in general should hold themselves to one standard of faithfulness, the evaluation of the Lord. Challenge yourself to say, “I am doing all I can do to please God in my ministry and service,” and then the criticisms of man can roll freely off your back.
Are you a faithful manager of God’s mysteries? Are you a faithful servant of Christ? Could you do more?
