“Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.”

Pride of the pulpit; arrogance of leadership? It is indeed a heady thing to be in a place of spiritual prominence. The venerable apostle Paul, as mightily used by God in planting many churches and writing inspired Scripture, knew the temptations involved in having a following. And some theologians today would suggest he did suffer from ego-centricity. However, his writings put the lie to that, and at the same time offer an example for all Christians to follow.

In his own words, he is simply numbered among those who are “servants of Christ.” The word “servant” (as translated by the Greek word “eperetes”) is used only once in all his writings and is different from the usual word he uses, “doulos,” which is usually translated “servant” or “slave.” We must look to the other NT writers for insight into this word. Luke, the sometimes companion of Paul, used the term in describing John Mark, who was a “helper” to Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:5) on their first missions tour. He was not an equal partner, but a subordinate. The gospel writers used it variously for “officer” in the military or as a humble “servant” or “attendant.” In the Roman military, an officer was required to follow rules unquestioningly and to faithfully fulfill his superior’s commands. He was not on an equal basis with his superior.

Paul adds the descriptor “stewards,” which is like a household manager. In Roman times, slaves often served in this role. Slaves were most often populated from among the conquered nations and sold to Roman citizens for use in all kinds of roles. Those capable served as household managers. They were not the masters of the household. This is how Paul pictured his role, along with that of the other prominent individuals. None were on the level of the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for them.

So what is their role, then? In a succinct statement all Christians should commit to memory, “It is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.” God values faithfulness above all else in those who help manage the household of God. The church is God’s house and, to use another common analogy, it is Christ’s body. And this is the goal of all Christians—not their own prominence, success, or accolades, but simply faithfulness to what God has called them to do. Blessed are those who will one day hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Master” (Matt. 25:21).

Lord, I re-commit to being motivated only by faithfulness to You