“And the things that you have heard from among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
II Timothy 2:2
The principle of finding faithful team members applies to ministry, business, relationships, community, and any other purpose. Paul instructed Timothy to find the faithful to join his ministry team – not the perfect, faultless, or the best performers – but the faithful. When looking for someone to join your team, don’t just look at resumes or talents; choose the faithful. Proverbs 20:6 “Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man?”
Paul knew what he was talking about when he told Timothy to find the faithful for the ministry. In I Timothy 1:12 Paul wrote, “He (God) counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” The qualification wasn’t Paul’s ability to speak, his vast resources, his influence – it was his faithfulness. Paul went through tremendous challenges, but he stayed true to his commitment, his word, his calling, and his God. Since Paul knew from experience that ministry required endurance through difficult challenges, its’ not unusual to think he would expect any less from those on his team.
When I think of faithfulness, I think of Moses. Moses was known as a murderer for killing an Egyptian, a deserter for running away from Egypt, and a man who had difficulty speaking; yet God chose Moses. In Numbers 12:7 it says of Moses, “He is faithful in all My house. I speak with him face to face…” In Exodus 40:16 we see that Moses carried out God’s instructions to the last detail. In the United States military, I’ve heard that commanders will give soldiers in training an instruction that has nothing to do with anything, except that it tests the heart of a soldier to see if he or she will be faithful and keep a respectful attitude to carry out a command.
I think of King David with his team of warriors who were known as “David’s mighty men.” The Bible describes them in I Samuel 22 as being in debt, distressed, and discontent. They don’t sound like the most qualified men to be fighting for the soon-to-be king. However, these imperfect men were men of honor. They were true to their word. They were loyal to their leader to the point of death. They would never walk off of a battlefield. They were faithful. When praying and asking God for people to help with a vision, find the faithful. When looking for a mate, find the faithful. When you want to be part of something greater than yourself, be found faithful.
Application: If you are challenged to keep your word, then ask Him for His help to be faithful. He will honor your prayer and give you the endurance to stand true to your commitments.