Scripture Meditations
Called to be Faithful (Week 1)
“It is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.” (1 Corinthians 4:2NRSV)
The most valuable thing that we as human beings possess is trust or faithfulness between persons. This is also our most fragile possession. The NIV rendering of the verse above is “Those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” We might define faithfulness as “love that lasts,” that can survive tests and difficulties.
We talk more about love than about faithfulness, but what is love without faithfulness? What is God’s love for us without faithfulness? What is our love of one another without faithfulness? What is our love of God without faithfulness?
We are surrounded by instances of apparent human failures to be trustworthy: broken contracts, unpaid bills, failed marriages, broken political promises. Sometimes we have promised too soon or too easily. Sometimes unforeseen circumstances—illness, job loss, a bad investment—are the cause for failures to keep a promise or trust. But sometimes there is no excuse. We simply have failed to be what we can be.
This week’s theme reminds us that, just as God has been faithful toward us, we, who are created in God’s image, can be more faithful in our dealings with God and with one another.
For reflection
• When have we promised more than we should have?
• When have we broken promises that we could have kept?
• What promises have we made to God?
Hermann Weinlick, writer of the Scripture Meditations/Sermon Starters, is a retired Moravian pastor. He serves as the ecumenical officer for the Moravian Church in North America. His work as a free-lance editor includes copy editing the Feasting on the Word lectionary commentary.
