Daily Devotion with Pastor Tong Liu: Today's Passage

1 Corinthian 4:1-5

So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

A believer in the Lord is a child of God and also a steward of the "secret things of God." God has given us different gifts, and we need to serve God and people with the gifts that He has entrusted us. The Bible teaches us that the stewards have several responsibilities. First, we are stewards of God's word. God has given His Word to us, and we ought to study the Bible faithfully every day and share the Word with others, that way everyone will be edified.

Second, we are stewards for God's resources. God has given us all kinds of resources, such as time, talent and money, and He wants us to use them for His Kingdom. Particularly in terms of offerings, God has given us wealth and expects us to tithe. If everyone in the Kingdom of God tithes faithfully, we'd not see any shortage of resources for evangelism around the world.

Third, we are stewards of God's gifts. God indeed has given everyone different gifts. May the Holy Spirit enlighten us to find out what our gifts are, so that as we serve together in a team we know how to complement each other and give God all the glory.

This scripture passage says that "now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." According to God, being faithful is much more important than being capable. A person can be extremely capable, but might only be putting in effort for his own kingdom, reputation or benefit, not for the Kingdom of God. God asks us to be faithful to Him, to live for Him all our life and see do all things for Him so that He will may be done. While we are serving Him, we inevitable may draw criticism and judgment, because even Paul was treated that way. During his time, many criticized and judged him, but Paul didn't take them seriously because he's solely focused on working for God and being faithful to Him. Brothers and sisters, let us set our sight on God, and He will lead to serve Him the way that pleases Him.

Pray with Pastor Tong

Lord, we thank you because you asks us to serve faithfully. May you open our hearts so that we will understand your will. Let us not be intimidated when we are criticized and judged, but we just want to focus on letting your will be done. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!