Are We Reliable People?

In 1854, a disastrous piece of miscommunication resulted in the deaths of hundreds of soldiers.

During the Crimean War, Lord Raglan gave a message to Captain Nolan, who in turn passed it on to Lord Cardigan, who then gave orders to 700 Light Horsemen – who mistakenly charged straight toward the Russian guns – only 195 men returned.

The message had been corrupted as it passed through the four sets of hands.

This was Paul’s fear as he entrusted the gospel to his disciple Timothy. He wrote, “…You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others…” (2 Timothy 2:1-2).

Notice the four sets of hands – Paul, Timothy, reliable people, and others. Why am I telling you this?

Because we also have been entrusted with the word of God - and lives are in the balance. The future of the church depends on the passing on of the correct message.

Do we appreciate the enormity of the entrustment?

Have we passed it on correctly?

Are we reliable people?

Robert