June 30th, 2025
by William Leich
by William Leich
Date: May 29, 2025
“Found Faithful”
“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” – 1 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV)
In reading Paul’s words to the Corinthians, one thing becomes clear: not much has changed about human nature. People have always been drawn to the flashy and the eloquent—to the “gifted” leaders who are placed on pedestals and praised loudly. Naturally, that kind of attention can lead leaders to believe that what draws people is what defines success. But Paul gives a different standard: not giftedness, not charisma—faithfulness.
Paul says it is required that stewards be found faithful. The Greek word used is pistos, meaning trustworthy, reliable, and loyal. Nothing glamorous. Nothing headline-worthy. But in the eyes of God, this is the gold standard for leadership.
Faithfulness means showing up—not just when things are easy, but when it’s hard. When people turn on you. When they question your motives or minimize your efforts. Just show up.
As leaders, we often forget that even the best things that draw people to us or around us are gifts from God, not validations of our own worth. The moment we begin to measure success through the lens of charisma instead of character, we’ve stepped off course.
God isn’t impressed with outward metrics. He doesn’t equate success with crowd size or public applause. What matters most to Him is the kind of leader who manages what He’s entrusted with humility and integrity.
I’ve heard it said, “We overestimate what we can accomplish in five months and underestimate what God can do in five years.” That’s what faithfulness looks like. It’s slow, steady trust. It’s managing what God has placed in your hands—relationships, influence, resources—and simply being found faithful.
Later in this chapter, Paul tells the Corinthian leaders, “Imitate me.” He wasn’t pointing to his gifting or platform—he was inviting them to embrace God’s heart for leadership. Paul lived with such closeness and security in his relationship with God that he could say, “Follow me,” not because he was impressive, but because he was faithful. He wanted them to resist the trappings of applause, popularity, and performance, and instead live lives marked by steady, humble obedience. That’s the kind of leadership God honors—faithfulness over flash.
Reflection Question:
Where in your life or leadership are you tempted to measure success by the world’s standards—and what would it look like to return to the quiet faithfulness God values?
Prayer:
Lord, help me resist the pull of performance and the praise of people. Teach me to value what You value. Help me be found faithful with whatever You’ve entrusted to me, and to lead with humility, consistency, and love. Amen.
“Found Faithful”
“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” – 1 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV)
In reading Paul’s words to the Corinthians, one thing becomes clear: not much has changed about human nature. People have always been drawn to the flashy and the eloquent—to the “gifted” leaders who are placed on pedestals and praised loudly. Naturally, that kind of attention can lead leaders to believe that what draws people is what defines success. But Paul gives a different standard: not giftedness, not charisma—faithfulness.
Paul says it is required that stewards be found faithful. The Greek word used is pistos, meaning trustworthy, reliable, and loyal. Nothing glamorous. Nothing headline-worthy. But in the eyes of God, this is the gold standard for leadership.
Faithfulness means showing up—not just when things are easy, but when it’s hard. When people turn on you. When they question your motives or minimize your efforts. Just show up.
As leaders, we often forget that even the best things that draw people to us or around us are gifts from God, not validations of our own worth. The moment we begin to measure success through the lens of charisma instead of character, we’ve stepped off course.
God isn’t impressed with outward metrics. He doesn’t equate success with crowd size or public applause. What matters most to Him is the kind of leader who manages what He’s entrusted with humility and integrity.
I’ve heard it said, “We overestimate what we can accomplish in five months and underestimate what God can do in five years.” That’s what faithfulness looks like. It’s slow, steady trust. It’s managing what God has placed in your hands—relationships, influence, resources—and simply being found faithful.
Later in this chapter, Paul tells the Corinthian leaders, “Imitate me.” He wasn’t pointing to his gifting or platform—he was inviting them to embrace God’s heart for leadership. Paul lived with such closeness and security in his relationship with God that he could say, “Follow me,” not because he was impressive, but because he was faithful. He wanted them to resist the trappings of applause, popularity, and performance, and instead live lives marked by steady, humble obedience. That’s the kind of leadership God honors—faithfulness over flash.
Reflection Question:
Where in your life or leadership are you tempted to measure success by the world’s standards—and what would it look like to return to the quiet faithfulness God values?
Prayer:
Lord, help me resist the pull of performance and the praise of people. Teach me to value what You value. Help me be found faithful with whatever You’ve entrusted to me, and to lead with humility, consistency, and love. Amen.
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