1 Corinthians 4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Untitled, just another one of those mysteries. If you find personal meaning in this devotional, feel free to give it your own title.

Do you like magic? Some call it illusion. Either way, I think we all can see entertainment value in some way. For some it is the thrill of seeing the results, even if expected. For some it is in trying to understand the mystery behind the illusion. For some understanding how things work takes all the joy out of it.

I woke up this morning with a new found respect for the stewardship of the mysteries of God, the kingdom, or of heaven. I am one who enjoys the glimpse into the mysteries. I lost sight of the stewardship last night and I paid for it. I did not rest in my revelation of a mystery which found no value or joy for much of anyone. So I lost some sleep trying to prove to myself how I got to see what I saw and back it up from the Word.

Two things were found.

1 Corinthians 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity (love), I am nothing.

2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

While I may find comfort in a mystery, a good steward waits to see a fellow believer troubled before sharing that comfort.

Luke12:47-48 And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

What spurs you to action? Is it love or fear? Is it reward or punishment? I am not a motivational speaker, so my list will be short. Only you know what causes you to act. Or not. Motivation can be a driving force or it can be a reasoning force. Whether driven or pulled, service is very much a part of the Christian experience.

I have in my life run across servants that were too busy for me. Those people fall into two categories. The first is busy because there is no one else equipped to do the work. The second is the one who is ill prepared. Before you try and say equipped and prepared are the same thing, please think on this. The Lord equips, we prepare.

Both are in danger of the same thing, neglecting self-maintenance. Think of self here as being a tool for the Lord. Blades get dulled and need to be taken out of service to be sharpened. If there is not another set of blades to fill in during this process, those being served suffer. Blades abused break, none of us want that.

There are two eyes, two ears, two arms, two legs and two lips for a reason. None one servant should be expected to give so much as to be neglected themselves.

Those who are given much and those who are given little both have the same responsibility to perform self-maintenance according to the service manual.

Philippians 2:19-20 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

It is an age old problem only you can solve.