Oak Hill Baptist Church © 2008-2009

Faithful stewardship is highly regarded in the New Testament. Jesus spoke about the “faithful and wise manager” who “is put in charge of all his possessions” (Luke 12:42-46). Paul gave general instructions about the faithfulness of “those who have been given a trust” (2 Corinthians 4:2) and more specific instructions about overseers “entrusted with God’s work” (Titus 1:7).

 

Being trusted ranks fairly high on my own value scale. There is something distinctly pleasurable about having someone’s trust. I do not mean position trust, a measure of regard directed toward me because I am a pastor. No, this is personal trust. Through at least a few interactions someone trusts that I will do them no harm. They have caught something in my voice or smile or gestures speaking of safety.

 

Years ago when our children were young, a little girl in our congregation would only stay overnight at our house when her parents had to be away. She found something trustworthy about us. She is today a seminary student. On another occasion a teen returning with a group from a mission trip sort of freaked out. Through a combination of too little sleep and too much cross-cultural interaction, she lost track of reality. She refused to set foot in her own home. She only felt safe in our house. She also found something trustworthy about us. The joy continues when a Cubbie, unsure of her new Awana experience, takes my hand or kids run up to me after church for a hug or handshake.

 

Some people might enjoy trust for darker reasons. They play a game, putting on an outward mask to gain trust and then find joy in betrayal. They use that trust for personal gain. These con-artists are not all selling unneeded house repairs or bogus get-rich-quick schemes. They are angling for a promotion or an exciting affair or a commission or just a juicy tidbit to pass on to others.

 

These same people actually mock trust or the faithfulness that invites trust. (Dogs trust and see where it gets them.) They have been “burnt” many, many times and have automatically adopted a protective stance. They are beyond a healthy skepticism and find trust impossible. Everyone is out for themselves. Only suckers genuinely trust.  Because of all the pain in life, God is the supreme disappointment. He has given us these wonderful eyes and ears and skin and minds only to fill them up with frustration and sorrow. Why trust in him or his life?

 

This is where our “trustability” comes in. With “trustability” in such short supply, the trust of others is an affirmation of our Lord’s work in us. “Faithfulness” is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It speaks of a different source than this world. You and I are still sinners. We are not always trustworthy. Yet our Lord has already changed our “trustability” quotient and continues to work in us. Others see the difference and yearn for the same Someone to trust despite all the mess of life.

 

Each of us has been given a different place in life. God has not made us all pastors. (Praise be his name!) Yet by his grace he has given each of us opportunities and skills to use faithfully (1 Peter 4:10). Our lives are measured on a sliding scale as to place in life. The farmer’s different work does not make him better or worse than the doctor. But our lives are measured on an absolute scale as to “trustability.” Farmer and doctor and mother and salesman and pastor are on the same footing here. So, how are you doing? Despite the untrustworthiness of others do you remain faithful? Do people find you refreshing? Do you find faithfulness a deep, worthwhile, eternal treasure? Surely his people should reflect the absolute faithfulness of God.