The word Steward comes from the Greek word "oikonomos"; oikos meaning house or household and nemo meaning to arrange. So a steward is one who arranges the house or one who is a manager of a household or estate. Although a steward is given much authority and responsibility in a sense they are still limited. They do not own the people or any of the things that has been placed under their control. A steward is only to carry out the desires of the true owner.
In Luke 12:41-48 Jesus teaches the Parable of the Faithful Steward. In verses 42 - 44 Jesus hits some points that we need to consider because this parable implies that all believers are to see themselves as stewards. It also describes some of the attributes that surround true stewardship...
- A good steward is expected to be faithful and wise…
- The master places the steward as ruler over his household, people and possessions…
- The resources are to be used to care for the masters other servant’s…
- The master expects the steward to serve faithfully while he is away…
- There will be a reward, blessing, when the master returns because the steward was faithful…
To examine this a little further, Luke 16:1-13 we see the Parable of the Unjust Stewart. In this parable the rich man represents God and the steward a believer. Jesus reveals in this parable a steward who was wasting the owners goods and the repercussion that the steward would face due to his abuse of the rich man's possessions.
Let us not be naive when it comes to the possession that we have. We must understand...
- God owns all things. This includes the physical universe, all spiritual beings good and bad, all living things, all people and everything that people have including all the wealth hidden and revealed...
- We own nothing nor do angels, demons or the devil himself...
- We only have temporary possession and control of the things that God owns...
- God requires us to be responsible and account for how we handle His property that He has placed in our control...
- The idea of human ownership is a powerful deception that gives a false security...
- God’s system of stewardship is higher than the worlds...
- Entering into God’s system of stewardship requires faith...
- God’s resources are hidden in Christ but are available to all who desire to walk as faithful stewards...
- We are to be an extremely thankful people because Christ has paid for our indebtedness at Calvary...
If we are truly honest with ourselves in light of the parables that Jesus taught concerning stewardship, the problems that many believers face in this area are not about our lack of time, lack of possessions, or money. The problem stems from our attitudes towards these things.
Jesus shows us the radical nature of stewardship which comes down to this. We will not be successful in building or managing the things that Jesus has for believers if we have things in our lives that competes with our commitment and love for Him. We will be like salt without taste. Stewardship is a necessary component of building a life and ministry for Christ. Maybe it is time for the church in the USA to evaluate our priorities.
