Word of the Week - Stewardship

Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Colossians 3:23

Biblical StewardshipThe Webster definition of Stewardship is – the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care; the faithful and efficient management of property and resources belonging to another in order to achieve the owner’s objectives.  As Christians we understand that God created us and He is the provider and owner of all things.  Therefore, we are simply Stewards of what He has given us and we should always be seeking to know and understand God’s objectives for us and our lives so we can be great Stewards of all He has given us to include our families, possessions, giftings, relational influence etc.A few principals of godly Stewardship:

• Order matters most – God makes it very clear that He wants to be first, so make sure you make God the First Fruit of all of your increase.  Give God the first of your time, money, energy and He will bless the remainder.  “Seek first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness and all things will be added unto you” Matthew 6:33
• Contentment vs. Materialism – As noted in last week’s Word of the week, contentment is key to being a good Steward.  If we believe and understand that God’s plan for us is the right plan, and it is, contentment allows us to have peace and this gives us the freedom to be generous in all situations as we are more focused on pleasing God than feeding our appetites.  Paul learned how to be content in all circumstances and he was an extraordinary steward of his giftings. “For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” Philippians 4:11-12
• Living within our means – Contrary to what we hear and see 24/7 from our culture, the truth is that “less is more”.  As stewards of what God has given us we must learn to live within our means so we have margin (extra) to be available to God when He calls up on us.  If we live beyond our means or with little or no margin then we don’t have anything available to give.  Even though this may seem efficient it is not healthy and minimizes our ability to be good Stewards.  “Better is one handful with peace and tranquility than two hands full with toil and chasing after the wind” Ecclesiastes 4:6
• Stewardship is spiritual – The truth of the matter is that how we Steward our lives is a true reflection of our hearts toward God and our true belief in Christ.  This is a spiritual principal.  The bible is loaded with text about love of money and the challenges we all face with the battle of worldly things/possessions vs. the things of the spirit.  “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul” Mark 8:36
• There is a blessing in Stewardship – The truth of the matter is that God loves when his sons and daughters take hold of this principal and live our lives in faith as godly Stewards.  Since God is the provider of all good things He deeply desires to bless us with more resources and giftings if He knows we will use it for His purpose.  “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share in your master’s happiness!’. Matthew 25:23

What is so awesome about the Lord is that He is an amazing Father who wants to give us the desires of our hearts, but we can only find our true heart desires in Him and thus we have the paradox of our faith.  By surrendering our lives and possessions and becoming true stewards of Christ we find true life, the abundant life.  I encourage us to continue to grow in our pursuit of godly Stewardship in Christ.^“17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. ¹⁸ Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. ¹⁹ In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”  1 Timothy 6:17-19Have a great week,-Duane