YOU think you’re trustworthy, but does God?

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In is book, “Making Today Count For Eternity,” author Kent Crockett tells a story about a hardware store manager who wanted to test the integrity and character of prospective employees. The manager sent a young man up to the attic to pick through a large box of old nails and screws, separating the useable from the refuse. The attic was stifling hot:

    … the young man spent hours looking through the box, separating useable nails and screws from things that should be thrown away. When he picked up one of the last items in the box, he noticed a twenty dollar bill lying on the bottom. He grabbed the bill raced downstairs, and said, “Oh, Mr. Peters! Look what I found in the box — twenty dollars!” Then he handed the money to the boss. Mr. Peters … knew he could trust the boy to work in his store …

    He wanted to see if the boy would complete the job and keep a good attitude, even though he didn’t understand why he was doing seemingly useless work. He had also planted a twenty dollar bill at the bottom of the box to test his employee’s honesty. If the boy didn’t report finding the money, how could Mr. Peters trust him with the cash register? And by finishing the job in the hot attic and giving the money to his boss rather than pocketing it, he proved that he was both faithful and honest. Years later, when Mr. Peters retired, he turned his business over to the young man to manage.

Trustworthiness is an important characteristic for employers to consider about their employees. Even more, it’s an important characteristic that God takes into account about us! The Apostle Paul points out it was his trustworthiness that was part of why God called Him to his ministry:

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him,” 1 Timothy 1:12.

God has entrusted great riches to us, things like:

    • The Gospel.
    • The ministry of reconciling others to Him (see 2 Cor. 5:18-20).
    • Marriage.
    • Children.
    • Friendships.
    • The best interests of employers.
    • Time.
    • Material resources.
    • Our physical bodies,

… and so much more. God has entrusted a lot to you and me!

Are you trustworthy?

What are you doing with all that God has entrusted you with?

In his book, Crockett concluded his illustration with this:

“Did you know that life on earth is also a test? All our earthly responsibilities — even the ones that seem insignificant — are in the old juke box in the attic. God is watching us to see if we will faithfully sort through life’s experiences, keeping the good, throwing out the junk, exhibiting a positive attitude when we don’t understand, and finishing our work. If we prove ourselves to be good and faithful during our early test, God will grant us far greater duties in the next life.”

“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!'” Matthew 25:21.

When you stand before God, will He celebrate your trustworthiness?

Scotty