Understanding stewardship

Pastor Julien Cyrus

The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein (Psalm 24:1).

This understanding that the earth, and all it contains, is the Lord’s; that God is the owner of everything—including all of us- is the basis of divine relationship and human function.

Whether we are business owners, politicians, diverse professionals, or humble service providers, we are all stewards and caretakers of things and people God has entrusted to us. Our interaction with these resources may be more intimate than the real Master’s, but we are all God’s servants.

We do the work, but the greatness, the power, and the glory that emanate from our endeavours is God’s. He appoints and dismisses, and in his hand is the power and might to make great and to give strength unto all (1Chronicles 29:11-12).

Two of the first things that we learn to say as toddlers are “No” and “Mine” – and throughout our lives we become adept at focusing on ourselves and on what we believe are ours. We see ourselves as being in control and call the shots on how resources are used or treated with impunity, and sadly, without God’s counsel.

This predisposition also informs our attitude about how we treat with things that we do not consider to be ours, even when employed to do so. We dismissively categorise them as “the boss’ business” or “their headache.”

In his parable about the talents in Matthew Chapter 25, Jesus describes the actions and the attitudes of three stewards who were given five, two, and one talent respectively to invest by their master.

The individual who received the five talents went and invested and made five more talents. Similarly, the one who received two talents gained another two. However, he who had received one talent went in fear and buried the money.

When called upon to account, the first two stewards were commended and rewarded for their faithful diligence. However, the one who buried the one talent in his charge was reprimanded and punished for his indifference and inaction, and his talent was given to the one who had gotten five.

Stewardship involves the utilisation of one’s abilities and gifting for the benefit of another. The Lord’s prayer is a steward’s prayer: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). A steward works without direct supervision while selflessly pursuing profitability on his employer’s behalf. He delights in fulfilling purpose and faithfully executes instructions (Psalm 40:8).

The time given to the stewards of earth is finite and must be efficiently utilised because the days are evil. Now is the favourable time; today is the day of salvation. Like Jesus, we must carry out the works of him who sent us while it is day (John 9:4).

There is a day of reckoning for every individual. We will all give an account of our stewardship on earth.

We may hear, “Well done!” or “Depart from me!”

T&T, let’s commit our ways unto the Lord.