1 Corinthians 4:1–2: “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.”

May 15th, 2022 by Pastor Ed in devotional

The word for servants here in the Greek literally means “under-rowers.” The term normally refers to the lowest, most despised galley slaves, who were forced to row in the hull of a ship. However, Paul applies this term to all believers, saying that every one of us is called to this position. We are to preach the message of the cross, or more correctly, we are to display the message of the cross by our daily lives lived out before a watching world.

Paul also calls us stewards, which means a manager or administrator of the master’s goods. The most important characteristic of a good steward is faithfulness, being a reliable manager of the master’s goods. It is not primarily necessary to be eloquent or multi-talented. God is not looking for us to be brilliant, intelligent, articulate, or attractive—but faithful.

As this old fable teaches, faithful servants may not completely understand what God is doing in every circumstance, but they remain faithful anyway. Every day an Indian servant trekked to a stream and then back to his master’s house, collecting water in 2 water pots that hung from a pole across his shoulders. One of the pots had a crack in it, and by the time he reached home, half the water would leak out. After 2 years, the cracked pot became so discouraged by its flaw that it spoke to the servant. “I am so ashamed,” the pot said. “Why?” asked the servant. “Because water leaks out all the way to your master’s house and I’m only able to deliver half of my load.” The servant looked kindly at the cracked pot and said, “As we return to my master’s house today, I want you to look at the beautiful flowers along the path.” The pot was a little cheered by the beauty he saw. “Did you notice that the flowers were only on your side of the path?” the servant asked. “I’ve always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted seeds on your side of the track, and as we walked back each day from the stream, you watered them.” For two years I have been able to pick fresh, beautiful flowers for my master’s table. Without your being just the way you are, this beauty would not have graced his house.” Faithfulness is possible for believers because God never asks us to do anything that He does not supply the means for us to accomplish.

“LORD, we want to be Your under-rowers this day, in Jesus’ name.”