There is a scene in the movie, Forest Gump, where Forest and his friend, Bubba, arrive in Vietnam and meet with their commanding officer, Lieutenant Dan. After the lieutenant gives them several instructions concerning their duties, Forest looks over at Bubba and says, "I sure hope I don't let him down." You could say he felt a burden of responsibility.
I believe that is how Christians feel in regards to our Lord. We do not want to let him down! After all, we are stewards, and it is required in stewards that we be found faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2). A steward is one who has been entrusted with the management of his master's property. Do you think of yourself as a steward? David wrote, The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein (Psalm 24:1 NKJV). So whatever we happen to possess, be it a house, car, stocks and bonds, food, children, etc., they all belong to God. He has allowed us to enjoy them, but there is also a burden of responsibility that we bear as we manage them for God's glory.
Let's look at money. How can we be a faithful steward in regards to the use of money? In answering that question, let us ask other questions to gain more insight into the mechanics of money. How was it acquired, legally and ethically? On what was it spent, responsibly and thoughtfully? How much is given back to God on the first day of the week, purposefully and cheerfully? How much is saved, diligently and thankfully? How much is given to others, generously and eagerly?
As stewards, we can responsibly use the money that God has blessed us with for his glory, and for the good of others and ourselves. But we must be careful to have the right attitude toward money, for the Scriptures give us this sobering truth: For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1 Timothy 6:10). Instead of loving money, we should love, and therefore put our trust in the Lord, for that attitude toward money will never result in any sorrows. Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
As stewards, we will give an account to the Lord on how we managed his money. Ask yourself the above questions about the acquisition, management, and disbursement of the monies you were given to manage. Let the Bible be your guide on how to be a good steward. One gospel preacher, V.P. Black, put in a lot of study regarding stewardship. He concluded that about one in every six verses in the Bible had something to say regarding stewardship. Indeed, the Bible is complete and equips us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes (Luke 12:42-43).
Brotherly, Jamie
