To Be Entrusted

Padel Code

Beth* walked off the court before our game started, sat down by the chain-link fence, and sobbed.  Then she grabbed her gear and left the pickleball courts. Candace caught up with her and tried to comfort her.  While that was going on, Jimmy (who was going to be her partner) came over and explained what had transpired.  He commented to her that he did not enjoy playing with her in a previous game because she was too loud and excitable. Beth was already aware that her behavior might be too much for people, so Jimmy’s words increased her insecurity and hurt her feelings.

 I joined Candace to encourage Beth and suggested she not let others define who she is, or how she acts, “be yourself.”  Fortunately, she returned and patched things up with Jimmy, who never meant to hurt her, but could have exercised better discretion.
 
Meditation
1 Thessalonians 2:4-6--Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please men, but rather God, who examines our hearts.  For we never used flattering speech, as you know, or had greedy motives—God is our witness—and we didn’t seek glory from people, either from you or from others.
 
Have you noticed that sometimes we, who are Jesus followers, criticize those who are not because their behavior offends us?  Then we share with fellow believers what we did to bask in their approval. Yet, while sometimes it is warranted to address speech or conduct, I fear that too often we forget that we are entrusted with the gospel. That is a heavy and serious responsibility because it means that whatever comes out of our mouths should please God. Would He want us to criticize those who do not know Him because we are uncomfortable with their outbursts? Or would He desire that we exercise grace, extend understanding, and love?  How would we want to be treated?
            
If our righteousness comes across as “holier-than-thou,” we will offend the very people we should be reaching. Before we exhort others, we ought to do a speech and a motive test and ensure our hearts are right. I don’t swear, but that does not mean I impose my conviction on someone who does not know God and takes His name in vain. I may gently ask them to refrain from swearing as it offends me, but I wonder if it isn’t wiser to ask what Jesus would do and realize that once a person places their faith in Him, the Holy Spirit will convict them of their speech and behavior. How often have we seen this happen?
            
Being entrusted with the gospel doesn’t mean we challenge people without the Messiah to please fellow believers. It means we interact with the “woman at the well,” the corrupt tax collector, the woman accused of adultery, and extend kindness and love, which is the very heart of the gospel. It may be messy and uncomfortable, and that’s okay.
            
Inspiration
“A gospel based on preconceived notions is merely an irritant.”—Oswald Chambers in Baffled to Fight Better 46
 
*Names changed to protect identities.
 
©2025 Daniel York ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals, go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed, subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)