The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein (Psalm 24:1 ESV).
Everything belongs to God. If everything truly belongs to God then nothing truly belongs to us. While we may be in possession of many things, we are owners of none. Instead we are stewards.
A steward is “a person who manages another’s property or financial affairs; one who administers anything as the agent of another.”
Christians are, among others, stewards of time, talents, treasure, and truth.
We are reminded each day that our time here is limited. Presuming more time is foolhardy.
Our Maker reminds us that our lives are but vapor (James 4:4). They appear but for a moment, and just as quickly are gone. Therefore, we must make the best use of the time we have (Ephesians 5:15-16).
Time moves inexorably forward. It is a blessing for those who walk wisely, but a curse for those poor fools who waste it. Jesus taught his disciples the value of working while time was available (John 9:4).
First century Christians were given spiritual gifts. These gifts allowed for growth and stability while the books were written and compiled (1 Corinthians 13:8-13). While these various gifts were given to various men, they were not to be the source of envy or pride. Rather, they were to use those gifts for the glory of God and the benefit of his people (Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:11-16).
Likewise, Christians today have non-miraculous talents. These talents are varied, and must not be the source of envy or pride. Rather, we must use them for the glory of God and the benefit of his people.
Money is another blessing from God that calls for stewardship. Money can so easily slip through our fingers. As the lost son demonstrated (Luke 15:11-16), we have only to live carelessly to find ourselves in desperation.
We must not serve money. Rather, we must cause it to serve us. Money is a means to demonstrate faithfulness (Luke 16:10-13). God expects his people to give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7), and regularly (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).
The most important stewardship we possess is the stewardship of truth. God has blessed mankind with his objective truth. Many people have abused and twisted God’s word from the outset (see Galatians 1:6-9).
While God’s word remains true regardless of how we treat it, our souls are too valuable to handle God’s word with anything but the utmost care. The Bible is more than just a good book, it is THE good book. It is the only book that details completely God’s plan for man. It is the only book that describes fully where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going. The Bible is the only book that you absolutely cannot live without, and the only one with eternal consequences attached to it.
It is imperative that we place the words of God within us, that we are careful to live out those words in our lives, and that we tell others the story. God does not whisper words of salvation to man. Rather, he has laid that task at man’s feet. He expects his people, to proclaim the good news to everyone (Matthew 28:18-20).
Stewardship requires a certain discipline of the mind. We must be mindful of what has been entrusted to us. We must be purposeful in our use of time, talents, treasure, and truth.
What kind of a steward are you?
Lee Parish