“And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem.” -- 1 Corinthians 16:3

Trust is highly valued. The real curiosity is that we find this quality referred to in this passage. Paul called for God’s people to lay aside weekly gifts to help others in need. The transport of this gift would require not just anyone, but individuals accredited by a letter of trust. Shouldn't this have been the case with everyone in the fellowship of believers?

Isn’t honesty and trust a no-brainer for all God’s children? Why would someone need a letter of accreditation at such a time in the early church? Is it possible that trust is a quality that comes over time? Is it possible that trust is part of spiritual growth and maturity? And last of all, is it possible that trust was and still is a very important issue in ministry activities?

Are you trustworthy my friend? And do you seek to use those who are honest to carry out ministry activities? Ours is a divine stewardship and the level of trust should rise above all other circumstances. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 4:2, “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.”