“Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (I Corinthians 4:2, NKJV).
Many of us feel pride in the things we own—our homes, our vehicles, our numerous electronic gadgets, the clothing that fills our closets, our bank accounts. We may not flaunt what we have, but we enjoy the many things we possess.
Truthfully, we own nothing. Not one brick or board of a house. Not so much as a tire on the car. The computer isn’t ours, and neither is that closet of clothes. Although the bank statements may show our name, not one penny belongs to us. We are nothing more than caretakers of what has been entrusted to us. God owns it all. Haggai 2:8 declares: “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord.” (Also read Psalm 24:1 and 50: 10-12.)
The Bible often uses the term steward, but we would more likely refer to that person as a manager or an administrator. Assets have been placed in their custody, and they are responsible for handling everything wisely and keeping it safe.
Some will not acknowledge God’s ownership because doing so might require changes in their priorities and actions. The believer willingly accepts the role of steward. He realizes that everything entrusted to him is the Lord’s to do with as He will.
WHAT DOES GOD EXPECT?
As we relinquish our ideas of ownership, what does God expect from us? What qualities make a good steward?
He desires us to be faithful and trustworthy. The Master knows we can be counted upon to handle His affairs in a way that pleases Him. (Read I Corinthians 4:2.)
He expects us to show accountability. Luke 12:48 says that “to whom much is given, from him much will be required” (NKJV). Romans 14:12 tells us that everyone must give account to God.
He desires us to be diligent. A good manager does not slack off just because the Master is away. To do so courts disaster when He returns unexpectedly (Luke 12:42-46).
He expects us to show wisdom in handling His affairs. The believer (manager) will not take unnecessary risks nor let the Master’s assets diminish through idleness. He makes long-term plans, knowing the Master has high expectations.
He desires us to be single-minded in our service. The believer will focus on responsibilities—how to best carry out the will of the Master and manage His assets. “You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet,” (Psalm 8:6, NKJV).
MORE THAN MONEY
When stewardship is mentioned, we often assume it only refers to money. True stewardship, however, involves much more. It includes our time, our energy, our skills, our possessions—our very lives. As one person stated, “Stewardship is everything I do after I say I believe!”
Our willingness to recognize God as the owner of our material wealth is a good predictor of whether we are also willing to acknowledge Him as the owner of all else.
God has called us “according to his own purpose and grace” (II Timothy 1:9). His blessings upon our lives bring one further responsibility. As we have “received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of his manifold grace” (I Peter 4:10).
PERSONAL REFLECTION
- Do you respond to God with the attitude of an owner or as a steward?
- What are some of the ways God has blessed your life?
- What talents and abilities has He entrusted to you for kingdom work?
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk
