Simple Marks of Faithfulness

Title: Simple Marks of Faithfulness

Bible Book: 1 Corinthians 4 : 2

Author: Alan Stewart

Subject: Stewardship

Objective:

During the reign of Queen Victoria, a heartwarming story made its way to the headlines of British news. The story is told of a homeless, mixed breed puppy that wandered the streets and came to the feet of a sentry outside St. James Palace. The dog was covered with snow, and was both hungry and cold. The sentry picked up the dog and fed him, and gave him the name Jack. Jack became so attached to the sentry that he was adopted to be the mascot for the Scots Guards. During the Crimean War, Jack could be seen stride-for-stride with his master on the battlefield. When his master was mortally wounded during a battle, Jack stood faithfully by his master’s side until both were removed from the battlefield. Hearing of the courage this noble dog displayed, Queen Victoria was deeply touched. She had a miniature Victoria Cross made, which is Britain’s highest military decoration for gallantry, and she placed it on the collar of the dog. However, Jack did not live for an award; he lived for his master. For the next twelve years, Jack would make his way through the iron gates of the cemetery and lay down upon the grave of his master. There, Jack would lay every day between meals until he died.

There was a time when a man’s word was his bond. Today, however, we live in a day where a man’s word means so very little. Whether it is a signature on a marriage certificate, a business contract, or a pact between nations, faithful loyalty is becoming an extinct characteristic in our society. Paul noted in 1 Corinthians 4:2, "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." The very idea behind the word "faithful" means someone loyal, consistent, dependable, and trustworthy. When God searches the storehouse of a man’s heart it is never to seek what that man is able to give, but rather to seek what that man is able to keep. Abraham became the patriarch of faith because God "...found his heart faithful." Moses was the chosen deliverer because "...he was faithful in all his house." Daniel was given promotion and power "...forasmuch as he was faithful." Seventeenth-century author William Gurnall wrote, "How can there be great faith where is little faithfulness?" Faithfulness can be found at the core of every life that was ever greatly used of God. Staying the course of faithfulness is not always easy, but when faithfulness is most difficult is when it is most essential. Would God say of your life that you are faithful? Consider how God measures a life for faithfulness.

I. God looks for lives faithful in small things

II. God looks for lives faithful in secret things

In 1 Samuel 22, Saul is pursuing David to take his life fearing David is a threat to his throne. However, Ahimelech said to Saul, "And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David...?" At a time when David thought no one had noticed, the integrity of his heart had been spotted both publicly and privately. As Michelangelo was painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, the great artist was asked why he put such detail into something nobody could see. He answered, "I can see it, and God can see it." The full depth of a man’s character is measured when no one but he and God are watching. Gideon’s soldiers never knew their courage was being measured by how they drank water. Nathaniel never knew his honesty was being measured as he sat thinking under a fig tree. The unnamed villager never knew his usefulness was being measured by how he had tied his young colt. I like what Frances Ridley Havergal said, "Faithfulness to principle is only proved by faithfulness in detail." Many of life’s golden opportunities are either gained or forfeited by how we order our private world. God will never overlook a life whose private shadow outdistances his public image.

III. God looks for lives faithful in sacred things