(1 Corinthians 4:1-2 ESV) This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
How do you want to be remembered? When family members, friends, and acquaintances file by your casket for the final time, what do you want them to say? I realize there are those who would smugly reply, “I don’t really care. I just want to be true to myself.” Only a selfish fool would maintain that position. The truth is, we will be remembered for something, whether good or bad.
Apparently, Paul had given this question serious consideration and had a ready answer. He wrote, “This is how one should regard us,” and then lists three characteristics that were important to him.
First, Paul wanted to be known as a servant of Christ. He considered nothing more important than to carry out the will of Christ. A servant exists for the purpose of fulfilling the will of his superior. He was content to set aside his own desires to serve the Lord. This can be very difficult when living in a self-serving society where everything is about us. Trust me when I say, God will not be as impressed with your accomplishments as you are. He’ll be much more interested in your response to his call to servanthood.
Second, Paul wanted to be known for being a steward (overseer) of the mysteries of God. Probably more than any of his contemporaries, Paul had been given insight into spiritual revelation through the Holy Spirit. To steward this information involved at least two things. (1) Sharing godly knowledge with those who were willing to receive it. And, (2) withholding information from those who would not be willing to hear it. There are times to speak and there are times to remain silent. We know better than to cast pearls before swine. Sometimes mysteries need to be revealed and at other times they must remain veiled in secrecy. It was Paul’s job to determine if or when those mysteries should be made public.
Third, Paul wanted to be known as one who was a faithful steward. Being faithful required staying on point with Christ’s initiatives. He was not called to establish his own agenda or reputation. His job was to faithfully perform the will of God. To be faithful implies that there are times that being unfaithful would seem easier or more practical. Being inconsistent is not compatible with being consistent. Neither can unfaithfulness coexist with faithfulness. One is either faithful or not; but not both. Paul made it clear that he would choose faithfulness.
The fact is, you will choose how people remember you by the actions of your life. You will choose whether or not Jesus will say, “Well done” or “We’re done” on judgment day. Which will it be? You decide. Start today!
PRAYER: Since You have given me the right to choose my legacy, I choose You. I choose life. I choose faithfulness. I’m determined to live each day of my life in such a way that Your glory will be revealed in me. Thank You for choosing me. Amen.
Thinking Out Loud 