Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Stewardship of Resources
Matthew 25:14-30
V. 21: 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 your master’s happiness.”
V. 21: 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 your master’s happiness.”
Traditionally the parable of the talents has been seen as an exhortation to Jesus’ disciples to use their God-given gifts in the service of His Kingdom. In doing so, there may be instances where we have to take risks for the sake of God’s service. The gifts have been considered to include personal abilities (talents), as well as personal possessions.
The Bible teaches us certain principles on Stewardship:
1. Ownership (vv. 14-15):
It is clear that man was created to work and that work is the stewardship of all of the creation that God has given him (Gen. 2:15). This is the fundamental principle of Biblical stewardship. God owns everything, and we are simply managers or administrators on His behalf (Deut. 10:14). Therefore, stewardship calls for our total obedience and faithfulness regarding the administration of everything God has placed under our control. It is the total commitment of one’s self and possessions to God’s service.
2. Responsibility (vv. 16-18):
Although our Creator richly provides us with everything for our use and enjoyment (1 Tim. 6:17b), nothing is ours. God owns everything; we are responsible for how we treat it and what we do with it(1 Cor. 4:2). What we need in this modern self-sustaining culture is a discernment of who we really are, and what are our responsibilities as stewards. It seems that the influence of the affluence has blinded so many today.
What we see and experience around is not of the role and responsibilities of stewards but someone who owns everything. Human thoughts have been eroded by the assumption that they are the masters of everything and that this feeling encourages them with a sort of self-reliance. The Christian Churches, above all other institutions, should surely be turning hearts and minds toward our frailty, mortality, and utter dependence upon our Creator. If not, God has so many ways to deal with us, and some signs are already in front of us today. He is sick and tired of the cries of so many of “I cannot breathe.” What is the remedy? Go to the prayer room, make a Camel knees, wet the cheeks, cry out and repent, and turn back. He is a loving and compassionate Father who hears the prayers of His children.
3. Accountability (vv. 19-27):
We are all stewards of the resources, abilities and opportunities that our Creator has entrusted to our care. One day each one of us will be called to give an account for how we have managed what the master has given us. He has entrusted authority over the creation to us and we are not allowed to rule over it as we see fit. We are called to exercise our dominion in managing His creation in accordance with the principles He has established.
4. Reward (vv. 28-30):
Stewards who do the master’s will with the resources given to them can expect to be rewarded (Col. 3:23-24). Biblical stewardship deals with more than wealth but encompasses all that God has given us to advance His Kingdom on earth.
The Bible teaches us certain principles on Stewardship:
1. Ownership (vv. 14-15):
It is clear that man was created to work and that work is the stewardship of all of the creation that God has given him (Gen. 2:15). This is the fundamental principle of Biblical stewardship. God owns everything, and we are simply managers or administrators on His behalf (Deut. 10:14). Therefore, stewardship calls for our total obedience and faithfulness regarding the administration of everything God has placed under our control. It is the total commitment of one’s self and possessions to God’s service.
2. Responsibility (vv. 16-18):
Although our Creator richly provides us with everything for our use and enjoyment (1 Tim. 6:17b), nothing is ours. God owns everything; we are responsible for how we treat it and what we do with it(1 Cor. 4:2). What we need in this modern self-sustaining culture is a discernment of who we really are, and what are our responsibilities as stewards. It seems that the influence of the affluence has blinded so many today.
What we see and experience around is not of the role and responsibilities of stewards but someone who owns everything. Human thoughts have been eroded by the assumption that they are the masters of everything and that this feeling encourages them with a sort of self-reliance. The Christian Churches, above all other institutions, should surely be turning hearts and minds toward our frailty, mortality, and utter dependence upon our Creator. If not, God has so many ways to deal with us, and some signs are already in front of us today. He is sick and tired of the cries of so many of “I cannot breathe.” What is the remedy? Go to the prayer room, make a Camel knees, wet the cheeks, cry out and repent, and turn back. He is a loving and compassionate Father who hears the prayers of His children.
3. Accountability (vv. 19-27):
We are all stewards of the resources, abilities and opportunities that our Creator has entrusted to our care. One day each one of us will be called to give an account for how we have managed what the master has given us. He has entrusted authority over the creation to us and we are not allowed to rule over it as we see fit. We are called to exercise our dominion in managing His creation in accordance with the principles He has established.
4. Reward (vv. 28-30):
Stewards who do the master’s will with the resources given to them can expect to be rewarded (Col. 3:23-24). Biblical stewardship deals with more than wealth but encompasses all that God has given us to advance His Kingdom on earth.
PRAYER
Loving Father, help us to have an awareness that whatever we have are your gracious gifts. Forgive our selfish attitude towards the material possessions and other talents, and help us to give up anything that hinders our relationship with you. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
People, places and possessions were never meant to give us life. God alone is the author of a fulfilling life - Author Unknown
Daniel Thomas, Orlando Mar Thoma Church, Florida
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
People, places and possessions were never meant to give us life. God alone is the author of a fulfilling life - Author Unknown
Daniel Thomas, Orlando Mar Thoma Church, Florida
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church