1 Corinthians 4:1-2, Faithfulness

1 Corinthians 4:1-2 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

What Qualifies a Steward? (v2b)

• “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

The steward’s performance criteria stipulated here as “FAITHFULNESS”.

This word “faithful” is the word that describes persons trusting, believing, full of faith. In the passive, it describes one who is trustworthy, steadfast, faithful, dependable and reliable. One who can be entrusted with a task. It is the opposite of one who is dishonest. “Such a steward would be worthless if the master of the house had to be constantly looking over his shoulder to see if he was doing things right or to make sure he wasn’t embezzling money… while the context speaks specifically of “full-time ministers”, such as Paul and his co-workers, the clear application is to every Christian” (A Word for the Day, J.D. Watson). “Faithfulness” is the criteria for all who serves their Master Jesus Christ in God’s vineyard.

Our Lord is the example par excellence, as one writer puts it well, “watch where Jesus went. The one dominant note on his life was to do His Father’s will. His is not the way of wisdom or of success, but the way of faithfulness.”

“Is your place a small place? Tend it with care! – He set you there. Is your place a large place? Guard it with care! – He set you there. Whatever your place, it is not yours alone, but his Who set you there” (John Oxenham 1861-1941). Amen.