FAITHFUL STEWARD

Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2 New King James Version).

Everything we have is a gift from God, and I mean everything- from our homes, jobs and ministries to our clothing, pets and children. God has given us all we have and He wants us to take care of it. His word says we are to do all we do as unto the Lord, so why is this so hard for some of us to comprehend? Some think being a faithful steward has only to do with tithing and ministry, while others don’t even think along those lines, not wanting to part with their money or make commitments to ministry no matter where their passions are. Still others don’t envision their jobs as gifts from God, and fail to be good stewards of their jobs, making their performance and work relationships weak and unseasoned.

Church, it’s time to rise up and be what God has called us to be. It’s time to act as though Christ lives in us! To take care of what He has given us; to take our money, because He has allowed us to be paid, tithe and spend wisely. Let’s not get sucked into the “latest and greatest” fad, if what we have works, we should take care of it, instead of replacing it. If we have children, then we should make the most of our time together because one day we will blink and they will be out of the house. If we didn’t nurture them and care for them the way God cared for us, they may not be inclined to come home too often. If we’ve got a job, then we should treat our job seriously by walking in integrity, cultivating relationships – especially those of non-believers because the way we live our life for Jesus may be the only Bible they read.  Let’s not steal paperclips or pens…our boss may not be watching, but Jesus is.

As a believer in Christ, we have an ever-present companion and all we do is under the watchful eye of Christ. When we don’t take care of what He has given us, when we don’t treat the things He has blessed us with as though they are gifts from God, when we are greedy with our money and distrustful of God’s provision, we are not faithful stewards. When we take what God has given us and nurture it, take care of it, take it seriously, He will bless our efforts and multiply them so we are able to bless others.

Let’s pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You so much for blessing us with a brand new day! We thank You for showering us with mercy and grace this morning and we pledge our hearts to You today! Father, may we become good and faithful stewards of the gifts You have given us. May we take our jobs and our tithing seriously; may we serve in Your ministries with renewed hearts and joyful spirits; may we nurture and care for our children the way You have nurtured and cared for us. Father, may Your ever present Spirit convict us of bad stewardship when we step out of line and become tempted to sin. May we recognize Your chastening and come to repentance. Father, we love You and desire to do all as though You were the recipient of our actions. Lord, show us opportunities to live out our faith, to be Your light and salt to those around us. We love You and give You all glory and honor. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today’s Attitude of Worship: If God tells you to do something today that you feel uncomfortable about, go ahead, do it. He’s got something better for you and wants Your complete obedience.

Additional Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 4:1-4; Colossians 3:23; Matthew 25:21; Genesis 22:1-14

Shalom,

Prudence