The Custodians

As spiritual leaders and custodians of God’s Holy Word, one of the most important responsibility we have is to keep heresy at bay and prevent corruption in the impartation of God’s message to mankind. We must be cognizant that as we take the good news of the Gospel to a fallen world, we are equipped with the ordained, true, and infallible Word of God.

2 Corinthians 2:14 “But thanks be to God, Who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere. “ This aroma Paul referenced can be interpreted as the Word, the Gospel, the Good News of our Savior. So if the word in us is corrupted, how can this aroma that protrudes from us be pleasing to Christ?

The responsibility given to us as Christians and custodians of the Word of God is of the greatest significance because the eternal destiny of others is a very serious matter. 2 Corinthians 3:15-16 “For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life.” Did you know that when you preach the Word of God you are preaching life and death? There are those who hear the Word and are condemned by it; to another, the Word will bring life and hope. This is why Paul asked this question of the Corinthians in verse 16, “And who is equal to such a task?” The New King James version states it like this, “Who is sufficient for these things?” This is why we should seek the wisdom of God, examine ourselves often, and engage in regular Bible study so that we are able to separate the heretic from one who bears the true Word of God.

Another way that the Word of God is corrupted is not from false teachings but of the intentional purpose of the use of the Word. 2 Corinthians 3:17 “Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ. we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.” If we are sent from God, why are we using His Word for our own earthly personal gains? In today’s high tech world, crafty men have raised up mega church empires that are as efficient in profit gain as a well oiled corporation. These men often keep their flocks by showing off their riches, claiming that it is gained through the fullness of God’s blessings. They teach that similar blessings are available to everyone, but it may depend how much is given to the church. Do they understand the seriousness of the responsibility given to them as they impart the Word of God?

Let us be good custodians with God’s Holy Word, not being deceived by corrupted and misleading versions of the Truth. We should also avoid the traps of placing or marrying our own earthly personal gains with the Scriptures, not using our personal ambitions as a catalyst to minister to others. Rather, our motives and actions should come purely from our love for Christ. It is that perfect Love that propels us to preach to others, to teach others and strive to reveal the Incarnate Word to a hurting world.

Let our mission be to let the true light of Christ shine through us. (2 Corinthians 4:6)

In His Service,
JR Tracey