In Terms of Trust

What are some things that other people trust you with? Maybe it’s their time and willingness to connect with you on a social level through your friendship with them. Or perhaps others trust you with their finances and business in the professional sense. The world that we live in thrives on relational connection, and so much of it is built upon trust.

But what if there’s something that God has entrusted you with, something that works in the context of our interpersonal relationships, yet has an eternal impact? Let’s look at the gospel’s power within our lives in relation to others.

To Say or Not to Say?

As a born-again follower of Jesus, you have a testimony. And along with it, you have a testament to give of all that He has done in your life. And your ability to share your own story within His greater redemption story is just one way you can steward your witness well. But one thing Paul teaches us in 1 Timothy 6:20 is that it’s not just what we say about Jesus that makes a difference for others; it’s also what we choose to not say. Or rather, the types of interactions we seek to avoid on the basis of fruitfulness and productivity.

“Timothy,” he writes to the young one he disciples, “guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding irreverent and empty speech and contradictions from what is falsely called knowledge.”

Entrusted with Grace and Truth

God has entrusted us with the truth of the good news. And we are able to steward it well by abstaining from the baseless arguments and useless debates that others may throw our way. This doesn’t mean we refrain from engaging in conversation with those outside the faith; it’s that we are choosing to invest in discussions that will steward our witness well and lead to greater fruitfulness. He has not called you to refrain from having gospel conversations; instead, He is calling you to navigate these discussions in grace and in truth…just as He has entrusted this task to you.

Hold fast to your testimony and testament. Be the kind, patient, and uplifting voice that the world is seeking to hear from. God—who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to His power that works within us—has entrusted you with much and empowered you with more than enough to work with (Ephesians 3:20). So, how can you steward your witness well for others?

Now What?

Consider the relationships you have with others who are seeking out truth in their lives. Are they searching for answers or for further debate? Take some time to consider your witness and testimony and how you can use both for God’s glory as you share His love in the context of both relationship and community.