Moreover, it is required of stewards, that they be found faithful. — 1 Corinthians 4:2
Paul addresses divisions in the church and cautions ‘not to go beyond what is written’ (1 Corinthians 4:6). God’s Word is the foundation of Christian unity. I’ve heard it said, ‘where the Scriptures speak, we speak; and where the Scriptures are silent, we are silent’. When religious leaders are not satisfied with its teaching, and go beyond God’s Word with human theories, opinions and speculations, controversy and strife beset the church.
As I read that passage, I had been mulling over Isaiah 45:22 and other verses from Isaiah. Isaiah often repeats the refrain, ‘For I am God, and there is no other’ whether in reference to His creation (45:18), the redemption of it (45:22), or His sovereignty over all things, ‘declaring the end from the beginning’
(46:9-10).
He also writes, ‘You are my witnesses…and my servant whom I have chosen…I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior’ (43:10-11). Jesus’ commission evokes that verse, ‘you will be my witnesses’ (Acts 1:8).
So how is a chosen witness found to be a faithful steward?
Foremost, it involves preserving the purity of the church which rests on God’s Word. Faith comes from hearing the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). We are to contend earnestly for the faith once and for all delivered to the saints. We defend it, dispense it and disciple others in its truth.
Isaiah clearly had a passion for God and His Word. Without that the church is impotent. But…we are not alone! Jesus promised He would always be with us. The challenges of financial deficits and denominational deliberations are merely a set of steps for Him to come to us. May it be so.
—Dan Gallagher, Stewardship Team