As stewards we need to be aware of the open doors God places before us. While no one can shut the door, we must take the opportunities which are ours. We may think of ourselves as having little power, as was the case noted in our scripture. Nonetheless, we must endure, using what we have no matter how strong the opposition.

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church is tiny compared to many denominations. Yet year after year people endure in their good works for God. They study the Word of God, they give of their resources to opportunities around the world, and they pray.

We must also be aware that there are many, whom the scripture labeled as “the synagogue of Satan,” who say they are Christians but they are not. They may believe that a small church needing leadership can be used for their own purposes. The key to resistance to such attacks is endurance in the trust God has placed in us.

We note that one of the best-known scriptures about those who are “lukewarm,” neither hot nor cold, is Revelation 3. Often Revelation 3:17 is skipped. “For you say, ‘I am rich…I need nothing.’ You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor….” We must seek the refined gold of God if we are to open the door to true riches. Our measure is not in what we keep, but in whom we trust.

—Dr. Robert Craig

• What are some of the ways small churches can be stewards, which are more difficult for large churches?
• What are some of the stewardship doors open to you and your church?
• How can we raise the temperature in our church so that we become “hot” rather than “lukewarm”?
• Who are some of the people who by faith endured so that your church can still serve today? What are some of the things which they did?

How Do I Act?

1. Reflect on several ways in which we can teach children and young people about the true riches in life. Do some further research on those people who were named in the last question above. Share these stories with the young people as a means of sharing God with them.
2. Pray for a specific need which your church can help meet.
3. Think of ways in which the presbytery of which your church is a member can help your church to endure in the faith when some want to lead with their own opinions.
4. Discuss what Christians can do to ensure that they will not grow weary in the faith, doing things only half-heartedly. Explain how repentance is related to being zealous in the faith.