Stewardship

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Genesis 26:13 - The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy.

The opening of Myanmar’s economy generated interest in entrepreneurship and business development in the country. Opportunities and increased economic activities in retail trading, construction, tourism and the telecom sectors energized the once inward-looking business sector. Business schools likewise sprouted offering graduate and diploma courses to those interested in formal schooling. A lot of young people are dreaming to become entrepreneurs, to cash in on the booming economy and be rich.

Entrepreneurship is characterized by innovation, differentiating it from business which functions on routine and proven processes in generating profits. The innovation element drives the passion to those with enterprising spirit and the Bible is replete with stories and teachings on entrepreneurship, finance and wealth management. One of my favourite characters in the bible is Isaac, sandwiched between two great personalities – Abraham, whom God promised to be the father of many nations and Jacob, the father of the twelve tribes. Isaac may seem “insignificant” compared to the two patriarchs. Other than the story of being a sacrificial offering to God and the father to two quarrelling sons, Isaac is the best example of an entrepreneur in the bible.

In Genesis 26:12 it says “Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold…” This is what we call innovation. In a place where people were herders and the main source of income was livestock, he became a farmer who planted crops. We can imagine the challenges he faced – what kind of crops, where to get water, how to till an arid land. He differed from the rest of the people. In the same verse, we learn that innovation is not enough because what really matters is the text which says, “…because the Lord blessed him.” God blessed Isaac, which was the reason for his success, not his innovative spirit. He aligned his plan with God’s plan for him and succeeded in his endeavors.

God has a special way of showing his blessings. In Genesis 26:13 it says, “The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy.” The progression showed how God has blessed Isaac. First, he became rich which refers to the abundance in properties and other possessions that define the rich in those times. It does not end there as the text says, “…his wealth continue to grow.” Now, the properties and income continued to flow as God continuously blessed him. The last stage is a superlative description, “…he became very wealthy”. This description may refer to the situation where the person cannot count his possessions anymore.

We may wonder why despite all our efforts and creative pursuits, we have not reached the level of wealth of Isaac. Being wealthy was not the objective of Isaac but to serve God, and he was blessed beyond what he can imagine. Matthew 6:33 reminds us, “Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you. “

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