IT IS REQUIRED!

IT IS REQUIRED!

1 Cor 4:2

2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

          Only once does the phrase “it is required” appear in our English Bible. Paul drives home the point of faithfulness which is translated from the Greek word pistos which means “trustworthy.” The word faithful also means “allegiance to duty or person; loyalty.”

          The word required is the Greek zeteo and Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance invites us to go to another Greek word punthanomai which means “a demand for something due; a search for something hidden; to demand, inquire or to understand.” The idea here confirms one of my administrative maxims: “You don’t get what you EXPECT. You get what you INSPECT.”

Those who hold responsible positions in churches are mostly volunteers. This means you can’t fire them for work poorly performed but that doesn’t mean nobody is paying any attention. God, it seems, is looking on and jotting things down for that final performance review.

Our work as church volunteers is more important than our work for money. The consequences are immediate and eternal. The Devil can use a weed in the flower bed or a poorly vacuumed carpet to distract someone from the message of the gospel. Details are important. Faithfulness is required of stewards. The casual way that we approach our church responsibility speaks volumes to those seeking a life changing experience.

          The Lord requires faithfulness from those He puts in trust. He searches our hearts and inspects our work. One day there will be a general accounting. Are you faithful? Are you where you are supposed to be? Are you doing what you are supposed to be doing?  Is your volunteer job marked by excellence? The Master has given you an assignment and will, from time to time, inspect both you and your work.

Dear Lord, help me to be faithful today! AMEN