Faithful Workers

Background Scripture: 2 Kings 22; Matthew 25:14–30
Lesson Scripture: 2 Kings 22:3–7; Matthew 25:14–23

Introduction

“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Cor. 4:2). Today, as always, our heavenly Father is looking for faithfulness in his children. Faithfulness is not just a desirable attribute; it is, as the above verse tells us, required. May this lesson inspire us to more faithfulness, especially thinking of everyday Christian life.

Key Verse

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Our verses today from 2 Kings talk about various workers in King Josiah’s kingdom. It was written of King Josiah, “And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him” (2 Kings 23:25). Josiah was faithful to God and his law. By this he inspired faithfulness in his subjects. The people brought their money and gave it freely to the doorkeepers of the temple who gave it to those “that have the oversight” who gave it to the actual workmen. There was no audit needed for these expenditures. Because of their integrity, they were all diligent not to misuse any of the donations. Rather, it all went to repair and restore the temple.

Jesus told a parable of servants to whom were delivered various amounts of money. We learn from this how important it is to be faithful when we are entrusted with responsibilities in the kingdom. The faithful servants were rewarded handsomely by their employer. However, righteous indignation and wrath fell heavily upon the unfaithful servant. He probably thought he would not suffer loss since he simply returned that portion entrusted to him. His employer, on the other hand, expected a return on his investment. Finding none, the unprofitable servant was rightly judged and punished.

Practical Truths for Today

“Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations” (Deut. 7:9). God’s ­absolute faithfulness is one of the foundational truths of the Bible. We are thankful that our heavenly Father keeps his promises and hears our prayers. We can depend on Him to faithfully extend grace to us; without his faithfulness we would live a frustrated and defeated Christian life.

Now let me look at my past record. I remember some promises that I made to Him but got so busy I did not keep them. I remember He gave me a task to do, perhaps to apologize to someone for my mistake. Perhaps He asked me to encourage a brother, bring an introduction at church, make supper for a struggling young mother, increase the amount that I usually put in the offering, write an article for the Messenger, or bring a part in a volunteer program. So, when He asks me to do something, He expects faithfulness. “Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them” (Deut. 7:11). Is God frustrated if He knows He can only depend on my prompt obedience part of the time? A familiar adage is “Slow obedience is no obedience.” Being faithful includes being on time with our commitments to God and our fellow man.

Each of us has been entrusted talents by our Creator. Some people believe they have many talents, while others feel they have very few. Whether I have few or many is immaterial; what is important is how I feel about the talents I have and how I use them. For example, God expects people who have a beautiful singing voice to humbly use it to cheer others. Some have been given the gift of “helps,” the gift of personal touch. When they visit with people, they inspire them with their compassionate care. Whatever our talent, any honor received is due the Lord. If I take any credit to myself, I am selfishly stealing something that belongs to my Creator.

When we give our child a task, we are pleased with cheerful, prompt obedience. The child is also happy when he quickly obeys and sees his parents happy. This child is secure, feeling pleased that he was faithful in the task given to him. Likewise, obedient faithful workers in the kingdom of God are secure and happy. The Holy Spirit is an abiding Comforter who comforts us when we do right. He comforts our hearts when we faithfully carry out the tasks He gives us to do.

Faithful workers are much sought after in today’s workforce. Employers seldom look for someone with a long résumé or a list of accolades. Rather, they seek individuals who are honest, teachable, and punctual. Employers seek individuals who practice Colossians 3:22–23: “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” A true Christian worker is faithful in the little things. He or she will be just as faithful working behind the scenes as they are when their work is in public view or when the boss is watching. Faithful Christian employers treat their workers fairly and respectfully, knowing that they, too, are under authority (Col. 4:1).

Faithfulness in the kingdom of God starts at home where we teach our children from an early age to stick to a job until it is done and to do it without complaining. Children who practice this principle will have an advantage when God calls them to salvation. Their faithfulness will stand them in good stead among their fellow youth, and they will be appreciated by the congregation when they are given responsibilities. Although some congregational responsibilities can be rather tedious, God blesses those who quietly, cheerfully, and faithfully fulfill their duties.

May God help us to reevaluate our faithfulness, cheerfully commit ourselves to Him and pray Him to grant grace and strength for the work at hand.

Questions

1. How is my love for God and appreciation for his goodness reflected in my faithfulness to Him?
2. Does my faithfulness include the little things such as the way I accept or refuse jobs given to me by the congregation in Sunday school reorganization and the annual business meeting?
3. Discuss the statement, “I know the Lord looks at the heart, and He knows that I intended to be faithful.”
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).