Faithfulness

by John McCormick, Barrow-in-Furness | Category: General | Apr 1968

As a steward of the mysteries of God, Paul viewed himself as being in a position of trust, in which he was in honour bound to be faithful (1 Corinthians 4.2). Faithfulness was part of his character. In the life he lived under the Law, before his apprehension by Christ, he was a faithful man. He said before the elders of Israel, "I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day" (Acts 23.1). What characterized him then was manifested in all things after he was called to the service of Christ. It was because he was faithful that the Lord appointed him to His service (1 Timothy 1.12). Faithfulness should characterize all who serve the Lord. As stewards we handle not our own but our Master's things. To Him we must give account (Luke 16.1-13).

God has His eye on faithful men. It may be some think there is little they can for Him now. In the parable, the man with one talent despised it (Matthew 25.18). But he that is of a faithful spirit will use his talent to the best of his ability. Then he may be given greater responsibility, as in the case of David, who was faithful in a little, tending a "few sheep", but was called by God to the greater work of feeding Israel His inheritance (Psalm 78.71).

Faithful men are relatively few. Yet it is to these that God looks for the continuance of the testimony. Paul wrote to Timothy:

"The things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2.2).

This word is for all generations in this day of grace. How else could the truth of God be handed down? True, we have the Scriptures to our hand, but we are all indebted, some more, some less, to the labours of others to whom the Lord has revealed a greater measure of truth. This they have passed on to us. Are we among the faithful who are prepared, not only to learn but also to do things entrusted to us? Only thus, beyond our day, if the Lord comes not, will there still be a house for God. How much truth have we learned? How much have we let slip? The words of Hebrews 2.1 should he heeded:

"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away from them."

We who have been entrusted with the riches of God's truth need to take care lest the words of David find an echo in our day,

"Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men" (Psalm 12.1).

What was true of Paul as a steward is also true of those whom the Holy Spirit has fitted and called to the work of oversight:

"The bishop (overseer) must he blameless, as God's steward" (Titus 1.7).

He too is in a position of trust. It has pleased God to give him a responsibility in relation to that part of the flock of God which is called "the charge allotted to you" (1 Peter 5.3). He must be faithful, for in this service he is responsible to the Chief Shepherd, to whom he must give account of his stewardship (Hebrews 13.17).

In whatever sphere we serve the Lord, it is required of us that we he found faithful, holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience, that God may be glorified.

John McCormick, Barrow-in-Furness | Apr 1968
General