Each birthday and at Christmas I would get a card. During a visit to East Sussex on 3rd November I called in to see her and was warmly welcomed. We talked of God's faithfulness. Two days later she was called home to be with the Lord. Amazingly selfless she lived out a deep concern for the welfare of others. She was a faithful friend.
I have often heard Christians say that God does not call us to be successful; but he calls us to be faithful. Such a comment is often made in ignorance of what the Bible actually teaches. All too often the expression is an excuse for poor discipleship. So let's explore the concept a little more.
In Luke 19:11 - 27 we have a parable Jesus told in which ten servants were were each given the equivalent of three months wages and told to put it to work while their master was away. We note that they are given responsibility and also autonomy, but that they remained accountable. On their master's return each came to give account. Two testify to the growth that came from that with which they were entrusted. Then a man came who had feared failure and so had done nothing other than keep safe what he was given. We need to note how each of the servants was rewarded or suffered loss. Who in this story was faithful and how did they demonstrate faithfulness. It was the outcome that proved faithfulness but their obedience.
Now let's consider the parable of the shrewd servant in Luke 16. Here is a man who had been given responsibility to manage a business on behalf of his master. Clearly he also had been given autonomy. And clearly he remained accountable for his actions and inactions. He finds himself about to lose his job and shrewdly uses his autonomy to create a better future for himself. (He might also have done his master a favour by improving cash flow.) He is commended for his actions which, if he had demonstrated such diligence sooner he might have saved him from being sacked! In verses 10 and 11 Jesus uses the word faithful (or in other versions: trusted). Once again faithfulness is demonstrated through action.
These two parables are all about performance. It is about demonstrating that they were deserving of the trust that had been placed in them. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 4:2 "It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful"
Each Christian is entrusted with the message of salvation God wants us to share with others. God also grants us opportunities, and promises his power to enable us to grasp them. Perhaps it is true that outcomes of our faithfulness might not be considered by others as successful. But before I use the faithfulness argument I need to be careful that faithfulness has been clearly demonstrated by my actions. Each of us have been given some aspect of ministry responsibility - all that we are an have is a trust from God. Each of us is also given autonomy - we are not robots. But each of us remains accountable to the one who hopes we prove worthy of the trust he has placed in us.
May the Lord help each of us to be truly faithful.
From The Diary
Last Sunday at Yelvertoft we concluded a series of Bible teaching looking at Jesus through the eyes of Mark. This has been interesting. Members of the church are also writing the gospel out by hand.
Last Monday Churches Together in Harborough meeting included a review of Holiday at Home, which is a mission activity each year that I have gladly supported. Please pray as we seek additional representation on the leadership team.
Last Tuesday proved a difficult time with the prison choir. Please pray for grace and wisdom, especially when dealing with challenging situations.
Last Wednesday we had an encouraging (part 2) local Rural Mission Support meeting for rural church leaders. One has since written, "Thank you for a very useful meeting. There was a wonderful sense of fellowship and partnership in ministry and I came away feeling very encouraged." We give God praise!
Last Thursday there was a shortened Churches Rural Group (CTE) meeting at Stoneleigh, Warwickshire. There was a lot to deal with in limited time but it felt a positive meeting. Afterwards I set off for East Sussex for Mraj's funeral and had booked B&B. To my delight I found my hosts were Christians and two of my Christian friends from my time in Herstmonceux were also staying there! Was this part of God's plan?
Please pray for all of Marj Wilding's family (four generations). It was good to meet again some Christian friends on Friday I have not seen for several decades!
The Coming week
Sunday 30th - I am taking the morning service at Gartree Prison (Leics) and then travelling to Crick (Northants to attend a United "Hope in our Villages" Service. This is part of an ongoing mission programme in which the church at Yelvertoft is a partner.
On Monday I have a school assembly at Lubenham (Leics). On Tuesday I have another school assembly, this tim,e at Yelvertoft (Nortants) followed by my regular work in HMP Gartree.
On Thursday I will be leading a Bible Discussion Meeting at Yelvertoft and back in the village on Saturday for a special event. During WW2 two of our planes collided over Yelvertoft in which all the crews died. As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of this event I will lead a simple service. Our church is also the venue for an exhibition and refreshments through the day. Some relatives of the men who were killed (from Canada and UK) are coming for this event. Please pray that in what will be a solemn day there will be room for sharing gospel hope. The Sunday meeting the following day will develop the theme of a sacrificial legacy.
Thank you for your partnership through prayer and practical support.
We are soon launching a series of interactive free on-line seminars (known as Rural Mission Webinars). You will be able to take part in any of these from your computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone. There is no sign up fee. Each webinar will be designed to last 30 to 40 minutes including question and answer session. We are creating a list of topics that we feel will prove helpful but we welcome your suggestions on anything that might help rural churches and rural Christians in their mission for God. Please email your suggestions to barry@ruralmissions.org.uk
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