Thursday: Trustworthy
Read Luke 16:10-12. What does this teach us about being trustworthy? Why is this trait so important for a faithful steward?
This principle of trustworthiness is seen all through the Bible. For example, in one story four chief Levite gatekeepers were entrusted to protect the Old Testament sanctuary at night.
Image © Lars Justinen from GoodSalt.com
They were to guard the rooms full of treasure and to hold the keys to open the doors every morning (1 Chron. 9:26-27). They were given this task because they were deemed trustworthy.
Being trustworthy is a characteristic of a good steward. This means that trustworthy stewards understand the deep significance of their role; they understand that God is trustworthy, and they will aim to be the same (Deut. 32:4, 1 Kings 8:56).
Trustworthiness implies a mature set of character traits. It is the highest level of character and competence that a person can achieve in the eyes of observers. Reflecting God’s character means you will do what you say you will do, regardless of circumstances or people who press you to do otherwise (2 Kings 12:15).
Daniel was considered trustworthy by the monarchs of two world kingdoms. His reputation throughout his life as a trustworthy counselor who fearlessly delivered wisdom and truth to kings was in direct opposition to that of the court soothsayers and magicians. Trustworthiness is the crown jewel of ethics; it puts your moral principles on display in their purest form. This quality in a steward does not appear overnight but comes over time by being faithful in even the little things.
Others notice our trustworthiness. They respect us and depend on us because they know we are not easily swayed by opinions, fads, or flattery. Being trustworthy is thus a demonstration of character performance in every responsibility played out on earth, the proving ground for heaven. “We are to be faithful, trustworthy subjects of the kingdom of Christ, that those who are worldly-wise may have a true representation of the riches, the goodness, the mercy, the tenderness, and the courtesy of the citizens of the kingdom of God.” – Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 190.
| Think about someone whom you know personally who is trustworthy. What can you learn from that person that would help you be more trustworthy as well? |
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Yes I can pick a few people that seem to be trustworthy... But when I look at them really close I see that they are humans and also fall into sin. Thus, I conclude that only God is safe to be considered trustworthy! He loves us so much that was able to give His own Son for us (who is able to do such a thing, even for a good cause, even knowing that the son would not fail, who would be able to take the risk?).
None of us are trustworthy! We all fail! But Jesus, He prevailed death! Because He was victorious, He is the One to be trusted! He deserves this and ALL the possible glory, on earth and in heaven! To God be the glory, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ!
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
This will help us become a wise and faithful and trustworthy Steward.
The lesson is so clear and amazing, all we need as Christians is to allow the holy spirit to lead us into Gods goodness by being faithful in our actions, being loyal as God requires us to serve him alone & not any other. To be guilty free, we need to allow our minds to focus on doing good and being obedient through accepting willingly to carry out responsibility as entrusted to us by God. Finally if we are to be trusted, we need to be faithful in little things that God has entrusted as with.When we do this then shall we be called true stewards of God.May God bless us all, Amen and happy sabbath.
It is pertinent in this context to consider Mat 23: 23:
If we forget the big picture things in our pursuit of doing the little things we have lost the plot on the Gospel. For example. Micah 6: 8: