BE CAREFUL, BE FAITHFUL, GOD IS TRUSTING US WITH PRECIOUS CARGO

BEING FAITHFUL:

I remember going into specialty shops that sold very expensive fine China. There were signs everywhere asking people not to touch the merchandise. There were also signs everywhere that said, “You break it, you buy it”. It was a reminder to us by the store owner that the contents of the establishment were of great value and that for those who were just looking around, should be careful doing so.

This is a great picture for me concerning the precious things of our Lord that He has entrusted to my care. Being faithful is “being dependable, trustworthy, true and believable”, but it also means to “handle with care”.

I have moved many times across the USA and Germany. In fact I have lived in Korea, Virginia (twice), Texas, Colorado, North Carolina (twice), Nevada, Florida (five times), California, Pennsylvania, and Georgia.  Most of those times I packed my own belongings and moved myself. With each move I can hear my wife at some point saying, “Be careful, I am trusting that you packed those things correctly”. She was counting on my faithfulness to do the right thing.

We are called to be stewards of the gifting, the talents, the possessions, and the callings which the Lord has entrusted to our oversight. I call hear His call, “Be careful, and be found faithful”. For all the Elders or Pastors in ministry I want to say that we are to be careful and be found faithful stewards with the precious lives that the Father has placed in our hands.

1 Corinthians 4:1-2 ESV (1) This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. (2) Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

Luke 12:41-44 ESV Peter said, "Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?" (42) And the Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? (43) Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. (44) Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.

The Lord is looking for the faithful man who will teach a faithful man who in turn will teach a faithful man. The Apostle Paul was a faithful man. He in turn taught Timothy who was a faithful man. Paul told Timothy to teach faithful men who will tech faithful men.

2 Timothy 2:1-7 ESV You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, (2) and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. (3) Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. (4) No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. (5) An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. (6) It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. (7) Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

It is obvious that being faithful is a major teaching priority with our Lord. It is sad that faithfulness is a trait that is so lacking within the body of Christ, which reveals the need for believers to become Disciples. I firmly believe the Scriptures teach if we are faithful in small things we will get larger things, and if we are faithful in another man’s field we will receive our own field.