Many of us, in searching for employment, typically seek the highest position available, usually management related. The title of manager is impressive, the pay is better, and the responsibilities are challenging and rewarding. However, when it comes to spiritual things, it seems we dodge and even run from the duties of management! The Bible speaks of stewards as managers, for as the dictionary explains, these individuals are employed in great families to manage the domestic concerns, superintend the other servants, collect the rents or income, keep the accounts etc. In the body of Christ (a very great family indeed!), those who have been born-again are employed immediately at salvation as managers, or rather as stewards of the manifold grace of God. Yes, believers are involved in "Upper Management", if you will. We are expected to oversee the Lord's business. By the way, do you know what it means to be a steward, dear lady? Perhaps it's time we reviewed company policy...
1 Cor. 9:16 (KJV)
For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity
is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
A steward understands that he is not the owner. The apostle Paul speaks here of the gospel of Christ - that with which he had been entrusted. This servant of the Lord humbly acknowledges that he has been called to a management position NOT because of any credit due himself, but because of the need for truth! How silly it would seem for an employee of a corporation to behave as if he were the owner, as if he had paid the price to start the business... Could it be you have been behaving similarly as a child of God?? As a steward or manager of the gospel of Christ, are you operating as if there were something magnificent about you that put you in such a position? May God help us if we ever stoop to such arrogant behavior by overemphasizing self in our stewardship of God's Word. Let's keep company policy in the forefront of our minds, amen? Like Paul, though a great servant of the Lord, you and I have NOTHING to boast about besides our Creator!
1 Cor. 4:2 (KJV)
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
A steward understands the requirements of his position. Many people (including believers), are deathly afraid of the word "requirements". A requirement is defined as a demand placed by an authority. Today nobody wants any demands placed upon them and they are often offended by these demands and even resent them. Everyone wants to be "self-employed" or rather, self-governed. How about you, dear lady? Can you stand the pressure of duty?? Do you dare anyone to demand or expect anything of you? How do you feel about your husband's requirements as your authority in the home? What about your pastor's requirements as your authority in the church? The Bible says that as stewards we must be found faithful - our GOD requires it of us! Faithfulness should bind our soul to its task. In the privacy of your own heart, can you honestly say that the Lord would consider you faithful - or possibly fitful? Would those who know you consider you faithful to God's Word? Like it or not, believers have been commanded to be a good example, to be "found" living a certain way!
1 Tim. 4:12-16 (KJV)
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers,
in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
[13] Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
[14] Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy,
with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. [15] Meditate upon
these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear
to all. [16] Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in
them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear
thee.
A steward understands the value of his gifts and acts accordingly. In training Timothy to think as a steward, Paul is exhorting this young man to care for the gift that God had assigned to him. Yes, God has blessed each of His children with the knowledge of the truth and various abilities to spread that truth. Ladies, God's gifts are sacred gifts and should be considered as such! Don't take them lightly; be faithful with that which the Lord has employed and equipped you to manage. A very high price has been paid for them!
1 Peter 4:10 (KJV)
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to
another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
A steward understands the responsibility behind the gifts he has been given. As believers, we are called to live by a unique set of priorities, none of which are self-centered! Tell me, dear lady; is it a priority with you to minister to others? Enough to cause you to die to self to do so? If not, then you are not being a good steward of the abilities with which God has blessed you! There are three kinds of giving: grudge giving, duty giving, and thanks giving. Grudge giving says, “I hate to,” duty giving says, “I ought to,” thanks giving says, “I want to.” The first comes from constraint, the second from a sense of obligation, the third from a full heart. Yes, we are all stewards, but are we all GOOD ones?? A good manager is a cheerful servant to others.
Romans 14:12 (KJV)
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
1 Thes. 2:4 (KJV)
But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even
so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
A steward understands accountability is connected with management. As managers of our own souls, we must live with the Judgment Seat of Christ in view. One day, all our daily activities for the Lord will be answered for individually. Galatians 6:5 tells us that every man shall bear his own burden. Certainly the realization that God has allowed His children to be put in trust with the gospel ought to make a great difference in the way we conduct ourselves in general! When it comes to being a steward, have you been carrying out company policy, dear lady?? Perhaps you've been too consumed with your own pleasure or even your popularity among people in light of such holy business. Your inner motivation will be seen outwardly… Ladies, if you want to be adequately rewarded as a steward, then remember that the most important judgment is God's! Be faithful to your Master in everything.
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2001 Pamela A. Iannello
Revised 2004
