God Trusts You

“Can you be trusted?” asked Jon W. Quinn in a post on Brethren Online

While his question and subsequent thoughts apply to all Christians, they are particularly relevant to preachers, pastors, and Bible class teachers.

Read it thoughtfully, prayerfully, and with personal introspection.

Can you be trusted?

Now that question is not the same as asking if you are honest. There is a difference, though honesty is a part of being trustworthy. Some sincere people are not trustworthy in certain circumstances. For example, though I am honest, I would not be trustworthy as a brain surgeon. See the difference?

What does it take to make one trustworthy with the gospel? Honesty is an obvious choice. Love for God and others, knowledge, and courage are some attributes that come to mind. This is important because you see, God has entrusted us with His gospel! This is not just a theory. He has given us the gospel in its entirety, including instructions on how to use it. What does it take to approve ourselves unto God as trustworthy servants?

It takes the same things as it took for Paul and others to be faithful servants, because most of the same attributes that made Paul a good apostle will make us good disciples.

“You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation and the joy of the Holy Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 1:6). Thessalonica was a busy city. After he arrived, Paul had first gone to the synagogue, as he often did, and proclaimed the gospel of Christ there on three straight Sabbaths. As a result, several Jews and proselytes believed, including several prominent women (Acts 17:2-4).

But others became jealous of Paul and went to the marketplace, stirring up trouble for him. They formed a mob and came searching for Paul and Silas, accusing the new Christians of welcoming Paul and Silas, “men who have upset the world” and who say that “there is another king, Jesus.” The council received a pledge from the brethren and released them, while Paul and Silas left Thessalonica for Berea (Acts 17:5-10). Evidently, troubles for the new church at Thessalonica continued after Paul’s departure.

Later, Paul wrote the following to the new church: “For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain…we had the boldness in our God…we have been approved by God…so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God…God examines our hearts.” (1 Thessalonians 2:1-4). Note some things we see in Paul and Silas.

Boldness – Severe opposition did not deter Jesus from proclaiming. If the gospel had been changed, then perhaps others would not have been as opposed to it. But the gospel is not ours to change.

Approved by God – Paul and Silas were approved by God. This approval comes to us today in much the same way. If we walk in the light of the gospel, being loyal to the Lordship of Jesus in all things, not allowing trying circumstances to dissuade us, then we are approved by God.

Speak to please God – Our aim ought always to be to please God in all things. He is the one we serve. He determines our standards of conduct and speech.

Mindful that God examines our hearts, we are always aware that God sees our motives. Thoughts that are hidden from others are obvious unto God. If we understand this, we will be more likely to keep our motives and conscience clean.

Finally, there are things we must avoid to be trustworthy custodians of the gospel. Paul wrote: “For our exhortation comes not from error or impurity or by way of deceit…never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed…nor did we seek glory from men…” (1 Thessalonians 2:3-6).

Error – The gospel Paul taught was free from misleading and/or false statements. He was not there to seduce them, but to save them. Like Paul, we must be sure that our teaching is actual.

Impurity – Paul’s preaching did not come from impure morals. His ethics were always the highest, and so must ours be. Yes. There are religious charlatans. Frauds will one day stand before the righteous judge and answer for their wickedness.

Flattery – Flattering words cover up evil motives. Paul spoke plainly and lovingly. He taught the gospel for the benefit of others.

Greed – Some were false teachers seeking material rewards. Offering false hopes may yield material benefits, but it will cost the teacher his soul.

Seeking the glory of others – A trustworthy custodian of the gospel needs to be more interested in pleasing God than in receiving the accolades of men. A choice must often be made here.

Yes, God has entrusted His gospel to us. Are we showing ourselves worthy of that trust?

(Note:  Some adaptations were made in Jon’s post by Grammarly)