Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Responsible Resource Management
1Timothy 6: 17-21

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. (V.18)
Christian resource management, or stewardship, is a transfer of ownership. Just as we have seen a business or restaurant come under “new management”, we too, must bring our lives under new management, the management of doing things God’s way. New management means a transformation takes place in our lives. It means a new attitude, God’s attitude. What is required of a Christian is to be faithful steward of ALL that God has provided including our talents, time, and resources. We must recognize that our life and everything we have belong to God. 
Talents: Each one of us has been blessed with natural talents/abilities. These abilities can be physical, social or intellectual. We have also been endowed with spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit. It is your responsibility to use your talents for the glory of God.
Time:  Our time comes from God and belongs to God. We are the ambassadors or caretakers for God. This includes all of our activities; shopping, working, playing, driving, watching TV, etc., etc. How are you using your time to honor God?
Finances/Resources: Our life, our health, our finances and all our possessions are God’s gift and we are only the managers. How are you using the resources that God has blessed you with to further His kingdom?
When we decide to use our time, talents, and resources for the Lord we must do so with the characteristics of a good manager.  We must be cheerful givers. In Luke 6:38 Jesus promised, “give to others, and God will give to you indeed, you will receive a full measure, a generous helping poured into your hands – all that you can hold. The measure you use for others is the one God will use for you.”  We must be sacrificial givers.  The widow in Luke chapter 21 gave everything she had. But she had faith that God will provide for her needs. It is important to remember how much is left rather than how much is given.  We must be faithful givers.  Paul also reminds Timothy that those who are well off are to be particularly generous to others. “Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:17-18).  Finally, we must be loving givers.  All forms of giving ought to flow out of “love”.  Only faithful giving, freely and joyfully offered, flowing from love, is pleasing to God.  Giving is a form of worship, giving thanks to God and acknowledging Him as the source of all blessings.
Thought for the day: Our time, talents and finance must come under “new management” – God’s management.
Prayer: O Lord, help us to be good, responsible and faithful Managers. Amen
                                      

 Mathew Lukose, Ephiphany MTC, NY

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