Christians in Action

We discussed previous about how the love of money is the root of all evil and that God tells us to try Him by bringing Him tithes and offerings so He can pour out blessings from heaven where there is not enough room to receive them. But God also wants us to be good stewards of the things He gives to us.

I Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

The word steward in the Greek is “oikonomos” which means manager, director, trustee or administrator. The word faithful in the Greek is “pistos” meaning trustworthy or reliable. Looking at the words in the Bible from their original meanings gives us a better understanding of what the verse implies. Now, we can see that God wants us to be trustworthy, reliable managers of what He provides for us. If we look in Matthew, we can read a parable of a faithful steward. Matthew 25:15-28

15)  And to one he gave five talents, and another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a long journey. 16) Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them and made another five talents. 17) And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. 18.) But he who had received one, went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. 19) After a long time the lord of those servants can and settled accounts with them.  20) So, he who received five talents cam and brought five other talents saying; ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look I have gained five more talents besides them. 21) His lord said to him. ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.  22) He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord you delivered to me two talents; look I have gained two more talents besides them. 23) His lord said to him ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord. 24) Ten he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25) And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’ 26) But his lord answered and said to him, ‘you wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gathered where I have not scattered seed. 27) So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28.) So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents.

Jesus was talking about a servant, although, we can apply a steward here, one who managers another’s things. The point clearly made deals with being good managers of the money or things entrusted to us. Also, it shows that not everyone will be given the same amount, but rather what they can handle. It is faithfulness that is rewarded. This principle is not only for here on earth, but also in heaven.

1Peter 4:10 As each one received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

God gives us gifts, such as singing, or writing, or preaching etc. and we are to be good managers of these talents and minister to one another. Not only does God expect us to be good stewards of our possessions and our money but also in the gifts He gives us.

We will talk next time about how we can be good stewards with the things God entrusts to us.

  If you have any questions or comments I would love to hear from you.

Part 2 Stewardship/faithfulness

When we look at stewardship and faithfulness, we see that they go hand and hand. It is because God expects us to be trustworthy stewards or managers of His things entrusted to us. What does it mean to be trustworthy stewards, to understand more we can look in Luke 16: 1-2

1)    Then He said unto also unto His disciples, there was a certain rich man which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.

2)    And he called him and said unto him, how is it that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.

We see from these verses that being wasteful is not considered good management. How do we take care of our belongings, money, time, talent, and resources? Do we waste our time watching television, or gossiping among ourselves? What about our money, do we tithe? How about our talents that God gives us, are we using them for His glory?  Let’s look in God’s Word and take a further look at what He says about faithfulness.

We know God is faithful, the Bible tells us that in several places, let’s look at a few.

Deuteronomy 7:9 Therefore, know that the Lord your God, He is God the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.

I Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Here are some other verses that speak of God’s faithfulness you can look up to gain more understanding.

Isaiah 49:7, I Corinthians 10:13, I Thessalonians 5:23,24 and I Peter 4:19

It says in the Word in Ephesians to be imitators of God as children; therefore, we need to be faithful to Him as He is to us. He rewards our faithfulness. We see this in Psalms 31:23      Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful and fully repays the proud person.

Proverbs 28: 20 A faithful man will abound in blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

Instead of spending our money on things we want and doing what we want and living the way we want, let’s ask God, seek Him in prayer to what He wants us to do with our money, (of course He wants us to pay our bills on time, and provide for our families, but beyond that) our time, and our resources. He may have you give to someone that has a need or spend time with a lonely soul that cries out for friendship. Listening and obeying God’s voice makes us good stewardship of the things in which He entrusts to us.