Servants and Managers

"This is the way any person is to regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." (1 Corinthians 4:1)

I love this verse. I love the way Paul clearly states how we followers of Jesus are to be regarded as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Every true Christian should be considered as servants to our master, Jesus. That's who and what we are. A follower of Jesus (a Christian) has surrendered their entire life to Jesus. We haven't done this simply to go to heaven, and not hell, but to follow His every command and leading right here on the earth. He is our master, and we are His servants. We serve Him, not the world. I don't know about you, but I want to be considered first and foremost as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. My calling, profession, or vocation is secondary to my being His servant. And since those who follow Jesus should be regarded as His servants, we must serve others as well. Serving Him gives us the authority and the power to serve others.

According to the verse above, we should also be regarded as stewards of the mysteries of God. A steward is simply a manager. The mysteries of God are the mysteries of His kingdom. A natural (yet to be born again) person cannot accept the things of the Spirit of God. (See 1 Corinthians 2:14-15) But those who are born again have the capacity to understand and follow the principles of God's kingdom. To the unsaved, they are mysteries, even foolish.

A manager of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has the capacity to discern and appraise all things. This means we can distinguish between the natural and the spiritual, making clear to us what are mysteries to those who don't serve Jesus. One who is a good manager of the mysteries of God is one who faithfully lives by the principles of His kingdom and manifests His love through the mysteries, even if misunderstood and rejected.

Fellow believer, know that you are a servant to master Jesus, and a manger of the things of the Spirit of God. Apply what you know. Allow God's Spirit to reveal His mysteries. Desire to make an impact on lives wherever you are, at any time. Have a blessed day!