December 2017

“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.” 1 Corinthians 4:2-3 (ESV)

Faithful: “it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” So what does this really mean? We looked at this earlier in the year but now let’s get real. Jesus was asked “And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”” Matthew 22:35-40 ESV. So ask yourself, do you honestly love God with all your heart? Here’s a simple test, does my calendar, my engagements, and my checkbook support my answer?
Here’s the follow up question, “do you love your neighbor as yourself? Do I honestly treat my neighbor with the same gentleness, patience and forgiveness that I lavish upon myself? In all the ways I coddle myself and all the excuses I make for myself do I do likewise for my neighbor?
The third test is found in the great commission, “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” Matthew 28:18-20 ESV. Who will point to you and say I am a child of God because of him/her? Also right now who are you discipling? Who are you pouring your life into for the sake of the Kingdom? Discipling is more than teaching Sunday School or leading a Bible study. It is more than sharing your testimony or quoting Bible verses. Discipling is walking with another person to lead by example, reflection and encouragement so that they become like Jesus. They become like Jesus, not like you. Who are you intentionally and purposefully walking with for Christ’s sake?
This is Jesus’s mission to draw all men to himself, and we are the feeders. If we are to be found faithful then others will point to us and say she walked with me in love into Christ’s Kingdom.
I am well aware of all the excuses, Time, opportunity, and fear; however, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. Get over it and unleash the Holy Spirit within you to be about the task of ministry. How to do so?
First begin with real consistent prayer. Pray for yourself, your faith, your walk and that the fullness of the Holy Spirit may overflow you. Pray that He opens your eyes to the right opportunity which He has prepared for you. Pray for your courage to boldly love for Jesus ‘s sake.
Next invite the person to walk with you as you pursue Jesus. Share your lives in every way so that they see Christ in you first and then talk about the how’s and why’s of faithful living. Encourage, teach and model all that Christ commands.
Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom daily to keep the journey exciting and satisfying. Depend on Him to provide the miracles necessary for conversion and sanctification. Those are His responsibilities, not your’s. You be diligent in loving and sharing every part of your life. Do not lord it over but rather walk in humility and service as Christ did.
All this year we have been reflecting on being servants and stewards as 1 Corinthians 4;1-2 demands. I ask you has this year’s reflection made any change in the way you think or live? Do you do anything different as a result of this emphasis? If not when Christ returns will we be found faithful?
Please Holy Spirit make us to do everything desirable that we may be found faithful in the day of reckoning, Amen.

Merry Christmas & a blessed New Year
Pastor and Susan