Stewardship
How much do you think God Trusts you? What does God trust you with? Would you like more from God? Do you think you could handle more? What would you say is too much for you to handle? These and other ponder provoking questions could be part of a savvy Gallup or George Barna group survey but no. These are just small pieces in of one of the major points of development that God wants expanded in every believer. Stewardship.
Stewards are the most trusted servants, the guys with all the keys. The first use in the Bible is where Abraham is lamenting having no son. The closet thing he has is Eliezer his steward who was his heir if no son was forth coming. The last use is Paul writing to Titus using steward of God to describe the function of a Bishop then listing the traits needed to be a Bishop/Steward. So you see Stewardship is a pretty big deal.
If properly understood Stewardship is literally foundational to our spiritual growth. If misunderstood well, consider the following. As men why does God give us wandering eyes and heavy libidos that are their weightiest when we are youngest and most foolish? God is not cruel or foolish but He does expect us to possess our own vessels. It is not supposed to be easy nor are we expected to be perfect, it is the effort and humility to reach beyond ourselves towards God for strength. In admitting weakness but not excusing our shortcomings we balance reliance on His Grace with our desire and responsibility to please and obey Him in humility.
This is how we progress in stewardship, part by God’s Grace and refiner’s fire and part by self-control and meekness, strength under control. Believing in His Grace and Faithfulness without abusing it and walking humbly within our abilities are what God is looking for in His Stewards. These are part of a foundation of character He can add to and build on.
As men we need to look back to that letter from Paul to Titus. What he gives greatest and first priority to for Titus in his search for; Bishops, stewards, elders, those that are qualified to be in spiritual service and leadership is that they have a successful marriage and family. Can they possess their vessels, love their wives as Christ loved the church, sacrificially that is, and in harmony raise Godly children? Then do people speak well of them? Can they handle their own money and not be greedy? So forth and so on.
God will put things in our lives and some under our stewardship. The first are our gifts, abilities and natural drives. Second are Christ, His Word and Holy Spirit to redeem and lead us away from the first gifts being our destruction. The second set guides us towards offering the first set back to Him in thankful submission and humble service. After this the key to having more keys in The Kingdom is having the self-control and sacrificial love about you to be a loving husband and father. You might remember that God has called Himself “a husband to the “widow” and “Father” to us all. This is His Heart and a high and needed Call in our carnal self-serving times.
So before you blast off to do your boys-night-out or softball practice or consider strategy over the stringer of lovelies you might be juggling. Ask yourself, do I want more of God and from God? Then consider how well you are handling your vessel and foundational relationships. If He can not trust us with the things of this world do not expect much Heavenly power and responsibility to be coming your way here or in eternity. You might also remember what happened to the guy that put his talent in the ground. He lost it all but remember he chose to put in the ground.
After all this sanctimony, seriously consider the priority God places on family. Consider the example of sacrificial love that He sat before us. How much are you willing to give up? This is what determines how much you will receive. How much do you think you can handle, Brother? You might be surprised to find out that God has more faith and hope in you than you do.
By Mike Poff
Mr. Poff is a native of Salem, Virginia. Where he worked in the local radio and television industry during the 80's and 90's. He is currently the at home father of Quadruplets and is working on his Masters in Theology. During his spare time. He enjoys time with his wife of fourteen years Pam on their small farm in Sedalia in Bedford County along with their six Children, eight horses, six dogs, six cats one Cockatiel and a Guinea Pig named Nibbles.Small groups, Bible studies, Mentoring young couples and writing are his outlets and growing passions.
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I know this piece is aimed at the guys but the message behind it has really spoken to me - and I would guess many other`s, going by how many have read this!! Truly inspirational writing...I am asking myself as I write "what has God (en)trusted me with"? This will take a lot of meditation and probably even more prayer! Bless you, brother in Christ.
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