Stewards!

A steward is defined as “Somebody who manages the property, finances, or household of another.” [Definition #5, Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2002] The things being managed do not become the property of the steward to do with as they please, but remain the property of the one who has placed them in the steward’s care. If not properly cared for or utilized, the steward is called to account for whatever use or lack of use was made of that which had been entrusted to them.

Note that which Paul acknowledged he was a steward.
“(24) Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, (25) of which I became a minister according to THE STEWARDSHIP FROM GOD that was GIVEN TO ME for you, TO MAKE THE WORD OF GOD FULLY KNOWN, (26) the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.” ( Colossians 1:24-26 ESV)

The Greek word translated “stewardship” here is “oikonomia”, which (according to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words) “primarily signifies the management of a household or of household affairs (“oikos”, a house, “nomos”, a law); then the management or administration of the property of others, and so a stewardship.”

As a servant of God, Paul was entrusted with the saving message of Jesus Christ. Paul viewed himself as a steward of THE WORD. What he shared was not something man made up ( Galatians 1:11) nor something he saw he had any right to change. THE WORD belonged to God and was to remain God’s message. What he was a steward of he had received from Christ ( Galatians 1:12) and Paul’s aim was to be faithful to the trust.

We also must see how we are to be stewards of THE WORD we have received. What we share is not to be our message, but God’s! We are not to change it, but accept it and pass it along as it has been given. It’s purity is to be guarded and THE WORD is to be used for the purpose of which it has been given; to enrich our lives through greater knowledge of it and to be shared with others. If we are not doing that we are not being good stewards of THE WORD.

Remember Jesus’ parable of the talents. ( Matthew 25:14-30) The three mentioned in the parable were stewards. What they were given charge over was not theirs. It still belonged to their master. However, they were expected to be good stewards of the amounts they had been entrusted. Two of them were good stewards. The one who was not a good steward buried what had been given to him rather than putting it to use. The implication is that what we have been given is not to be hidden or just kept to ourselves, but rather used for its intended purpose. If we fail to be good stewards we will not be pleasing to our Master.

We may not all know the same amount of Scripture. However, what we do know is to be used and shared with the hope of a good return on the investment. By being good stewards of THE WORD, we will increase our own faith and also increase the potential of fruit being produced in the lives of others as they respond to the message of GOD’S WORD. Quite often I find the opportunity in conversation to share a passage I have recently read. As God has entrusted us with HIS WORD, He will also provide the opportunities for being stewards of it. May we remain open to His using us as His servants in this way.

Have a great day BEING A FAITHFUL SERVANT PLEASING TO GOD!
Carl

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