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In highlighting the role of being stewards, notice what the Scriptures say:
1.
God made us
stewards: Every good gift and every
perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom
there is no variation or shadow due to change. James
1:17
2.
God
provision for being a steward: But seek
first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be
added to you. Matthew 6:33
3. God’s
expectation from His stewards: Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to
men.
Ephesians 6:7
The first
principle in becoming a successful steward of God recognizes the simple fact
that stewardship is God’s idea. Therefore, our role is instituting it in our
lives systematically. It occurs when God’s people apply biblical stewardship in
every aspect of their lives: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will
be also” (Matthew 6:21). Dr. Jim Eckman[2]
shared A.W. Tozer’s four questions in revealing where our idea
of treasure revolves around:
1.
What do we
value most?
2.
What would
we most hate to lose?
3.
What do
our thoughts turn to most frequently when we are free to think of what we will?
4.
What
affords us the greatest pleasure?
Next, stewardship is God’s initiative. Therefore, our role is
influencing others personally in understanding the concept. It occurs when
God’s people let others know about biblical stewardship of God’s resources: “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty,
nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly
provides us with everything to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17).
Somebody said an
interesting view of money:
Money
has been defined as that something which buys everything but happiness and
takes a man everywhere but to heaven. But money used in the right way can
confer a great deal of happiness and be the means of starting many a
person on the path to heaven.
Finally,
stewardship is God’s invitation to living free of greed and grace-filled
living. Therefore, our role is impacting every generation purposely. It occurs
when God’s people take responsibility for seeing people learn about biblical
stewardship, thus, weakening the work of the enemy and love of money: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds
of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the
faith and pierced themselves with many pangs” (1 Timothy 6:10).
Christians
need to understand that opportunities to achieve God’s agenda in building His
kingdom involves not only our material possessions, but also our abilities,
knowledge, skills and relationships. To make it really simple – everything from
your backyard and bank account to your mind and body - is a resource that you
must manage for God. No false humility required here, you are an important
member of God’s management team – stewardship.
Let’s talk again!
[1] https://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/articles/churchhomeleadership/accountablegod.html
[2]
https://graceuniversity.edu/iip/2011/02/faithful-stewards-of-gods-resources/
[3]
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/faith-based-family-finances/stewardship/stewardship-being-co-managers-with-god
