Stewardship: There is Still Time

The word "stewardship" has always had an effect on people. In fact, my guess is that as you read the title, this eleven lettered word, you were either saying, "go get 'em" or you were saying, "I'll go to the next blog and skip this." Not unlike the word evangelism, at the mention of the word "stewardship," people either become impassioned or their eyes glaze over. "All they want is money."

Here's the thing. And there is no way around this. Discipleship is stewardship and stewardship is your job. While this is not what you put on your tax forms indicating occupation, it is easily arguable that this is why you are here; to be a steward. If you think about it, you were a steward very early in your life. When you were instructed to make your bed and pick up your toys, you were being trained in stewardship. As I reflect on my reluctance to follow instruction at that age, I realize how resistant I was and how much I needed to learn about being a good steward.

To be sure, stewardship is more than straightening up the garage, washing the car and taking out the garbage. It includes family, being a good husband or wife or child. It includes being a good neighbor. It includes the use of your time. How do distribute your time? Do you set time aside to read the Word of God, to prayer, and to worship the Lord? Stewardship includes the call to mission.

Do you use your gifts and personality for the kingdom of God as well as your vocation? I once had a visit from a man who was a great salesman. He was selling me on becoming involved in his business. Ok, I turned him down. I am not in the business of getting into business. When my visitor was done with his presentation, I asked him if he was involved in evangelism in his congregation. He said no. I told him that he may be gifted in evangelism and should not miss the opportunity of being a good steward in this. I said, "Speak of Christ with the same passion and you will be a blessing for the kingdom of God." I don't know what happened after that, but I am certain he never had a "sales visit" like that before or after. The point is, use what God has given to you for the good of your neighbor and it will also reflect God's kingdom to the world. In so doing, recognizing that God is the owner of all things, you joyfully praise God in all that you do by taking care of and managing that which God has given to you.

Money is included. The Scriptures do not tip-toe into this issue. In fact, statistically, twenty percent of the New Testament deals with financial concerns. It talks about management of money, misuse of money, the consequence of loving money, and the proper place of money in our lives. When Jesus speaks in the parables about the kingdom of God, He is discussing stewardship and many times illustrates His point using money. The Pharisees tried to trip Jesus up over financial issues. He would not be distracted. In fact, Jesus used money to illustrate reconciliation, servant leadership and love. Money is used to demonstrate your love for God and all that He has done for you. It is used to demonstrate your love and responsibility also to your neighbor. First-fruit giving is a major component in praising God with all that you have. Stewardship, in this regard means learning to budget and learning to prioritize the budget to reflect your faith. (My family, at a minimum, has tithed all income for my entire ministry. Praise God, we have never gone without. My children have learned to tithe. I don't say this other than to encourage and perhaps challenge you.)

There is another word that has great effect on people. It is a word that softens hard hearts and minds. It is a word that causes congregations to pause when they are out of sorts with each other. It is a word that reunites families and neighbors. It a word that leads people to an even higher level of stewardship. The word is "forgiveness." In Jesus' death and resurrection, you are offered forgiveness. Adam was given the responsibility of stewardship of creation before the fall. Adam needed to hear that eleven-lettered word when he "dropped the ball" in his own stewardship and caused the human race to fall. You need to hear that word when you fail to manage the things you have and the gifts you are to use. Read Luke 19:11-27 and you will learn that our Lord has exacting expectations. The great thing about forgiveness in Christ is you can start again. There is still time to start again.