A Steadfast Heart
Today’s service is dedicated to Ministry Commitment Sunday. Last year, due to COVID, the united church ministry was greatly impacted. I would like to thank those who served diligently, despite the circumstances. This year, although the year has begun with a COVID situation that appears to be worse, I hope you will be able to dedicate yourself with unwavering love for the church.
The Apostle Paul referred to church members as "servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1). He also said, “it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). The word “steward” is a translation of oikonomos, which refers to those who serve a house or a community. "Faithful" is a translation of pistos, meaning reliable or truthful. It means doing the work entrusted to you with a steadfast attitude.
Over the years in ministry, I have found that the most valuable virtue is the 'steadfast heart'. When a person steadfastly serves in their work, I feel strengthened by that person. If this person begins to behave strangely, I don't worry too much. It is because I believe they are a steadfast person. Later on, as time passes, I discover that there was a reason for the seemingly strange behaviour. It is a great joy and blessing to work with such a person. Knowing this, the Apostle Paul would have selected ‘loyalty’ as the most important virtue that stewards are to have.
There are times when we are swayed by our emotions. We are also constantly shaken up by our circumstances. Satan seeks to shake the community of believers and make church members stumble. Therefore, we should be even more alert and pray. When doing the Lord's work, even if you encounter something that shakes you, do not be swayed and stand firm because God is faithful to us and entrusts us with His work. The Lord will carry out His will through faithful people who always serve with a steadfast heart, and it is through such people that He will strengthen the church.
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수정교회 번역팀 2022.01.15 19:34
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Today’s service is dedicated to Ministry Commitment Sunday. Last year, due to COVID, the united church ministry was greatly impacted. I would like to thank those who served diligently, despite the circumstances. This year, although the year has begun with a COVID situation that appears to be worse, I hope you will be able to dedicate yourself with unwavering love for the church.
The Apostle Paul referred to church members as "servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1). He also said, “it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). The word “steward” is a translation of oikonomos, which refers to those who serve a house or a community. "Faithful" is a translation of pistos, meaning reliable or truthful. It means doing the work entrusted to you with a steadfast attitude.
Over the years in ministry, I have found that the most valuable virtue is the 'steadfast heart'. When a person steadfastly serves in their work, I feel strengthened by that person. If this person begins to behave strangely, I don't worry too much. It is because I believe they are a steadfast person. Later on, as time passes, I discover that there was a reason for the seemingly strange behaviour. It is a great joy and blessing to work with such a person. Knowing this, the Apostle Paul would have selected ‘loyalty’ as the most important virtue that stewards are to have.
There are times when we are swayed by our emotions. We are also constantly shaken up by our circumstances. Satan seeks to shake the community of believers and make church members stumble. Therefore, we should be even more alert and pray. When doing the Lord's work, even if you encounter something that shakes you, do not be swayed and stand firm because God is faithful to us and entrusts us with His work. The Lord will carry out His will through faithful people who always serve with a steadfast heart, and it is through such people that He will strengthen the church.