“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2)
Biblical stewardship is recognizing that every good thing in our lives belongs to God. This includes our time, relationships, finances, possessions, health and talents. He has entrusted them into our hands to manage for as long as it’s in our power to do so. Not only is good stewardship expected of us by God, it is also a measure of our spiritual maturity level.
TIME
Each of us has the same twenty-four hours in a day. We don’t know when our last day will be, but we do have the choice of how we will spend today. There are all manner of things vying for our time. Some things are a complete waste of time. Others are fun, relaxing, or even beneficial, but not eternal.
“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.“ (Ephesians 5:16)
RELATIONSHIPS
The people God has granted to be in our lives are really the only things we have the opportunity to take into eternity. It’s easy to be drawn away from family and friends by other seemingly important things. We imagine they’ll always be there when we get back. Sadly, couples drift apart quietly, and children grow up quickly. We are called to love, cherish, build up, encourage, share, teach and mentor the precious souls we have influence over. We’re called to show up, and be present in their lives.
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:34-35)
FINANCES
Scriptures declares the love of money to be the root of all evil. Not money, but the love of it. We are called to steward, or manage, our finances as unto the Lord. First, to use the money God has granted us in a responsible way. Second, to not withhold our giving to the Kingdom in tithes, offerings and meeting other’s needs. Greed is one of the devil’s devices that we must be aware of as Christians. When we hold too tightly to money as if it’s our own, we find it can fall like sand through our fingertips. It’s much better to use it toward the eternal work of God.
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
POSSESSIONS
How many storage facilities are in your town? That’s because people have too much stuff, and nowhere to put it. Do we really need all that stuff?! Why should we have five winter coats when our neighbor doesn’t have even one?
Did you know that every single item in your home has an emotional weight attached? Every time you walk past it, hold it, dust it or even think about it, you feel the weight of an emotion. Some of these items might be worth the emotional weight. Most are not. They simply weigh you down. Go through your home, and systematically pick up every item. Hold it in your hands, and feel the emotion it triggers. Does it bring you joy, or does it drag you down? Now you know whether it’s important enough to keep.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.“ (1 Timothy 6:6-8)
HEALTH
As Christians, we focus on our spiritual health, but often fail to practice good stewardship over our physical and mental health. Health is a spiritual experience, and should be viewed as a complete package -physical, emotional and spiritual. Not only are we called to be good stewards over our souls, but over our bodies and minds, as well.
We all have a set of variables that must be managed in order to maintain health. Some of those variables, we have more control over than others. We had no say over who our parents are, or what genetics they passed on to us, but we do have control over our eating and sleeping habits. We had no control over whether our parents were addicts, but we do have control to decide whether we will smoke, drink, take drugs or watch pornography.
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.“ (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
TALENTS
Each of us is gifted certain talents by God. These talents are for the benefit of the Kingdom. They are present, but not perfected. Our stewardship of the talents that God has placed within us includes developing them, and using them consistently for His purpose.
Many people separate their talents from their walk with God, using them only for personal gain or gratification. The world benefits from their giftings, but God’s Kingdom does not.
Are you a teacher? Teach a Bible study. Are you a painter? Paint a Sunday School classroom. Are you creative? Design a church bulletin board. Are you a baker? Supply children’s church with fresh-baked cookies. Do you have the gift of hospitality? Have church family over for a meal and fellowship. Are you a writer? Get busy writing that Christian book. Are you financially blessed? Fund a teenager to go on a mission trip.
“And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.“ (Matthew 25:20-21)
IN SUMMARY
Good stewardship over each area of our lives sets us apart from the crowd. Faithfulness is a wonderment in today’s uncommitted world. Take inventory over all God has entrusted into your care, and then show up consistently. People will notice, and be drawn closer to God. That is the power of faithfulness.
Blessings In Jesus’ Name!
-Pat
