Faithfulness

Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.  1 Corinthians 4:2

This past week has been a highlight in the year of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Watching her on various TV broadcasts, especially the flotilla on the Thames River in London, you can see that she was thoroughly enjoying the celebrations.  I couldn't help smiling along with her.

As a young woman, I think on her 21st birthday, Princess Elizabeth spoke to the Commonwealth countries in a radio broadcast.  She promised that for her whole life, whether it be short or long, she would devote herself to their service.  Just a very few years later she was crowned Queen Elizabeth II.  During her 60 years on the throne she has kept her word and been truly devoted and faithful.  As I watched her attend the many different celebrations, I pondered on the fact that she rarely gets a 'day off' or a real holiday.  Her aides say that there is always some business to be done.... and she does it, faithfully.

Observing the Queen and pondering her busy life I had to ask myself afresh about my own faithfulness to the tasks entrusted to me in my life.  The Bible speaks a lot about faithfulness, especially of God who is the Faithful One.  We are His children and He lives in us through the Holy Spirit, so a mark of our lives should be faithfulness. In 1 Corinthians 4:2 the apostle Paul says that it is required that stewards be faithful.  Every one of us is a steward because God has gifted us with gifts according to His own purpose for us. (Ephesians 4:8, 1 Corinthians 12:7-10).  We are encouraged to pursue love but also to desire spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 14:1). 

God in his love for his creation has gifted every person born for a purpose; to keep this world operating and in order.  Some have high positions in government, others are carers and still others collectors of trash.  I often thank God for the trash collectors, I value them because they serve in a way that I'm not called to do, but their job fulfils an important need in every community.

As believers God has gifted us in various ways that you can read in the scriptures I've quoted here.There are key positions to build the body of Christ but there are others that minister in different ways. I believe as we are faithful in using our God given gifts that he may well add other gifts to our lives.  There's nothing to say we can only have one gift.  Jesus operated in all the gifts..... faithfully.  He taught about faithfulness in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-29).

The Queen's faithfulness and devotion to her work has been a good reminder to me to examine my own faithfulness to my Master and Lord.  Remember, there will be a celebration waiting for us when our work is complete on earth!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank you for the gifts you have given me, both natural and spiritual.  Help me to remember that they are not for the 'cupboard' but to be used to bring you glory and extend your kingdom.  May I be found to be faithful, always.  Amen