Being a good steward

 

THE LORD OFTEN taught by parables; in fact, approximately one third of His recorded  teachings  were  in  parable  form... 

 

There  are  no  parables  in  John's gospel, but in the synoptics, these simple memorable stories with imagery convey deep  truths which are central  to His  teaching.  One of  the Lord's  favorite  themes in these parables is "stewardship."  A  steward  was  a  manager-someone  who  managed  the  owner's  farm  or business. Good stewards faithfully used their master's resources to advance his current concerns and increase his wealth. Bad stewards misused their resources for  personal  gain  or  squandered  them  out  of  laziness.  Scripture  teaches  that God is the owner of all we have. David stated, "The earth is the Lord's and all its fullness. The world and those who dwell therein" (Psa. 24:1). Paul reminds us, "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have  from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

 

What trust God has placed in us!  This privilege, however, brings with it the responsibility  to  manage  to  the  very  best  of  our  ability  His  assets.  Most Americans regard themselves as sovereign owners, and the money, wealth, and assets we  have  are  exclusively  at  our  disposal  to  advance  our  own  interest. There  is  a  tremendous  difference  in  how we  view  possessions  as  owners  or stewards.  This concept will determine how much we give. As owners we will ask, "How much of my money will  I give  to God," but as stewards  the question will be, "How much of God's money will I keep for myself?"  Statistics  reveal  that  as most American Christians'  incomes  go  up, their percentage of giving goes down! This philosophy is brought about by an attitude that asks, "Do  I want  this? And  (sometimes) "Can  I afford  it?,  from  the owner.   While  the  steward asks, "How will  this affect my  ability  to advance God's  purpose?" The  steward will  always  remember God's  passion  to  reach the lost, and look for creative ways to subsidize this great purpose.  In  this  season of THANKSGIVING,  let us  again  renew our  gratitude  for our  personal  redemption  and  determine  that  if  our  nation  can  have  a  special time to count our physical blessings, God's people can treasure the great spiritual blessings we  enjoy!  As  you  pray with  your  family  this week  let  every family member be reminded of the blessing of salvation!  Jerry Jenkins