“Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others,” – 1 Timothy 6:17-18 (NLT).
Imagine borrowing a first-edition Shakespeare novel from a friend who doesn’t share books. How are you going to handle that book? You’d be careful with every page, ensuring it’s safe from harm, perhaps even storing it in a protective case. That is true stewardship—whether it’s resources, relationships, or opportunities, you’re entrusted with something valuable. How you care for it not only reflects your respect for the giver but ensures that it’s preserved for those who will come after you.
Stewardship in the kingdom is sacred. It is one of the marks of true discipleship. God’s purpose for His children is for us to be channels of His blessings rather than storage vaults. A true disciple of Jesus understands that he or she is a steward of his or her possessions.
In the parable of the Talents, Jesus compared the Kingdom of God to a Master who went on a long trip and divided his possessions among his three servants (Matthew 25:14-30). In the same way that this Master returned and did an audit; God will require you to give an account of how you have used the things He put in your care.
The unprofitable servant who buried his talent was called wicked and lazy because he failed to use it as expected. This serves as a reminder that God has expectations for His stewards, and selfless service is the path to becoming a profitable servant.
In our anchor text, Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy to teach the wealthy believers in his church to be generous and not materialistic or selfish. Liberality proves that we trust God and know He is the giver of all good things. The believer who has something should know that he has received it from God (1 Corinthians 4:7). As a responsible steward, he is expected to use it in a way that pleases the Father.
In 2 Corinthians 9:10, Paul reminds us that believers are God’s stewards and that the harvest of righteousness comes from generosity. God entrusts resources to empower us to be generous. Both Jesus (Luke 12:42) and Paul (1 Corinthians 4:2) emphasised that faithfulness is the key trait of a steward, as it makes one responsible in service.
Friends, if you take a retrospective look at your life, you will find that you have what it takes to be a blessing to someone else. God has greater expectations of you. And that is why He has made you a steward.
Stand firm in God’s Kingdom as a faithful steward, responsibly managing His provisions.
Bible Reading Plan: 2 John