"Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful."
1 Corinthians 4:2
Let me use this verse one more time, and I'll move on. Isn't it amazing though how many areas we could speak of that we need to be faithful in? It would be a great challenge to all of us to let God examine our lives and reveal to us where we are lacking in the area of stewardship. It is obvious that to condense stewardship down to just money is out of bounds with Scripture.
The final area that we need to consider stewardship is ministry. Just as we receive every good and perfect gift from above, we have each received a ministry from God. We first receive ministry through the local church. The New Testament has much to say about the expectations of God's people within in the local church. Each local church can only thrive if each part of the body is doing its part. There are no insignificant members within the body of Christ. Each one of us has a pivotal role to play. That is why we are taught to not neglect assembling together. When we are not present and doing our part, there is most definitely a void that cannot be filled by any one else. God has placed you within the church for such a time as this. Some consider church attendance to be an optional part of their Christian life, but you will not find that idea paralleled any where in Scripture. This is one of the baby steps in being faithful in our walk with Christ. If we cannot take this step, we will most assuredly stumble in other areas.
Ministry by definition is also our obedience to God in serving others. We must however see that in serving others we are actually serving God. If your focus is on others, you will eventually burn out and get discouraged. You will find that not every one appreciates your tireless work and multiple hours of service. That realization has caused many to quit and give up on ministry altogether. Each ministry that we are called to serve in has its own challenges, but we must accept those challenges as from the Lord and be faithful. If God has given you a place of service, no matter how great or small, He will equip you to carry out that work for His glory. You must determine to be faithful to Him and serve others as if you were serving the Lord Jesus Himself. In the book of Matthew we are told that those who feed the hungry, clothe the naked, take care of the sick, and encourage the discouraged are actually doing this to Jesus. Notice that it says that we are doing it TO Him and not just for Him. Isn't it incredible that we get to feed, clothe, and nourish the King of kings and Lord of lords? This though encourages me to not only be faithful to my ministry but faithful to my God.
May you minister as unto the Lord today!
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