“Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 NKJV
When the Apostle Paul called himself, Peter and Apollos “servants of Christ” he is using a Greek word which is literally “under-rowers.” Paul is saying, We are the slaves of Christ who are under his authority. We are not the captains of the ship, but under-rowers obeying each command that Christ gives.
Paul next compares their role to a steward. A steward was someone who did not own anything, but was a manager for the owner. Paul saw what he was managing as “mysteries of God.” In other words, He had the responsibility to steward the wealth of God’s household. The main assignment of Paul and his comrades was not to be popular with the people, but to be faithful to do all that God had called them to do.
As you apply these verses to your life today, consider yourself the galley slave of Christ who receives and obeys His commands without question, laboring to keep pace with His call, working with a team to move the ship of the gospel forward. This will help to not become self-absorbed with the idol of self in this culture, and to embrace the kingdom value of servant hood.
Also, apply your call to be a steward of God’s resources. You don’t “own” anything. Your kid’s are not your own, they are God’s and you steward them for God’s purposes to be worked into their lives. Your spouse is not your own, but you are a steward of helping your spouse grow in Christ.
Embrace your call to day, to serve Christ completely and steward His resources faithfully.
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