Practical
Teaching on Stewardship
What is stewardship? Stewardship is the godly and proper managing
of what God has given every believer. The stunning truth is that we
own nothing. Everything we have is God's. He blesses and expects
his children to take care of what he gives and use his gifts for his
glory and the good of others. What this means is that every aspect
of life is given as a gift from God. We are not only talking about
material things or possessions. Christians are to be good stewards
of these, but also time, money, talents, the truth, the body, the
mind, the environment, and the gospel.
Time
Believers are to be good stewards of time. Time ought to be used
wisely to draw thoughts toward heaven (Col. 3:2). Christians need to
take advantage of the time they have to prepare for eternity (Ps.
90:12). Prayer, Bible study, and communion with the Lord are
indispensable to this end. Remember, time is fleeting. We need to
take advantage of the short amount of time we have on this earth to
glorify God and serve mankind (Eph. 5:15-16; Jms. 4:14). Time is
passing away. We cannot save time, buy more time, or make up time.
Once it is gone, it is gone. Time is also uncertain (Prov. 27:1).
We do not know how long we have.
What are some other truths about time? Believers are held
accountable for how they spend the time allotted them (Rom. 14:12;
Heb. 5:12). Time is easily wasted, taken for granted, lost, and even
ignored. Time is owned by God (Ps. 31:15). Eternity gives meaning
and purpose to the temporal (Rom. 13:11; 2Cor. 4:18). Opportunities
must not be wasted; they may not present themselves again (Ecc. 8:5;
Col. 4:5). How believers spend their time is a reflection of their
priorities (Matt. 6:19-21, 34). Be wise with your time. Budget the
use of your time. Allow and schedule time for Bible study, prayer,
family, worship, relaxing, work, ministry, etc. What are your
priorities? What occupies most of your time? Is this pleasing to
God?
Money
God, the Creator, owns everything (Ps. 24:1; 1Cor. 10:26). Our
money is included; it is God who blesses financially. How Christians
use their money is an act of worship. When believers give, they are
reflecting their faith in the provisions of God. Of all people,
Christians ought to be sacrificial and generous with what God has
given. It is their responsibility to support the ministry of the
local church, church leaders, the needs of others, and the spread of
the gospel around the world (missions). Giving should be done
cheerfully (2Cor. 9:7). We do not give to receive but to be a
blessing to others. Also, we ought to be content with what the Lord
has provided (Phil. 4:11; 1Tim. 6:8; Heb. 13:5).
What motivates you? Why do you give? Why don't you give? What do
you spend the majority of your money on? How do you spend extra
money? Beware of greed or being to preoccupied with money. Trust
the Lord and his provisions. Be thankful for what God has given. Do
not let money become an idol. How can you better serve God with what
he has given?
Gifts and Talents
Believers are to use their gifts and abilities to glorify the Lord
and serve others (Rom. 12:6; 1Pet. 4:10). Some believers are gifted
musicians, artists, singers, athletes, doctors, farmers, speakers,
educators, administrators, businessmen, etc. There are many other
gifts and abilities given by the Lord. Whatever they are, use your
gifts and aptitude to worship the Lord and benefit man. It is also
important to trust the providence of God. He has gifted you and
placed you exactly where he desires. He has a plan and a purpose.
How do you use your talents? Are you glorifying God with your
abilities? Do not measure yourself to others? Beware of always
comparing yourself to other people. Be content and thankful for your
unique gifts and talents from God. Do not covet another's gifts.
Truth
Christians are to be good stewards of the truth. This begins by
being a serious student of the word of God. It is the responsibility
of every believer to be in the word and sit under the: word. After
all, believers have a part to play in their growth (Jn. 8:31-32,
17:17). Believers are born again by the word of God and are called
to receive and apply it (Jms. 1:18-25). The importance of Bible
study cannot be overstated. The word must be read, studied, and
meditated upon in order to mature and become equipped for good works
(2Tim. 3:16-17). God is a God of truth. His children should love
the truth and be good stewards of it for the glory of God and good of
others.
Do you desire the truth? Do you recognize error? Do you hunger for
the word of God? Are you part of a Bible believing and preaching
church? How do you share the truth? Are you changed by the truth?
Other Areas of Stewardship
Christians are to be good stewards of their bodies (Rom. 12:1; 1Cor.
6:19-20). We are to take care of ourselves, get plenty of rest, eat
healthy foods, exercise, work hard, be safe, and worship God with our
bodies.
The mind must not be neglected. We are to be stewards of our minds
(Rom. 12:2; 1Pet. 1:13). Worship God with your thoughts. Beware of
negative and sinful thoughts. Beware of what you are feeding your
mind. Take time to think. This is often neglected or ignored in our
fast-paced world today. Slow down and meditate on the word of God
and things of God.
Believers should be good stewards of their environment (Gen.
1:28-30). We should be responsible and not wasteful. Look for ways
to clean up around you. Recycle.
Finally, be a good steward of the gospel (1Cor. 9:16-17; Col. 1:25;
1Thess. 2:4). Be thankful for the gospel. Share the gospel with
others. We have a responsibility. Witness for Christ. Live out the
gospel. Preach the gospel to yourself daily. Repent and trust in
Christ. Support missions. Look for ways to evangelize and disciple.
The gospel is the greatest gift God has given mankind! Don't be a
bad steward of God's gift.
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