Your Daily Devotional for October 3, 2006

 

October 3, 2006

 

 

Christian Stewardship

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

 

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

 

 

1 Peter 4:10

 

 

When we stop and think about the basics of the Christian life, there is perhaps nothing more basic than this: God owns the universe! Psalm 24 tells us that “the earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” Psalm 50:10-12 says, “For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fullness thereof.” We will never understand our responsibility as Christian stewards until we understand the principle of God’s ownership.

 

When the word steward is said, most Christians automatically think of money. While that is one aspect of being a good steward, we fail to realize that God requires us to be good stewards in other areas as well. One of these areas is our lives. God commands us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice in Romans 12:1. We are to give Him our lives and commit to serve Him. Have you given Him your life?

 

We are also to be good stewards in the area of our time. Ephesians 5:16 says, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Often someone who has nothing to do will fall into sin. When we are not properly stewarding our time, the devil can easily cause us to fall. How are you spending your time?

 

We should also be good stewards of our talents. God has given each of us a talent which we can use to serve Him. Some people are great at teaching and preaching, while others can work in a nursery or clean. God has given you a gift that He wants you to steward by using it for Him.

 

Acts 9:36 tells of a woman named Dorcas who properly stewarded her gift of caring for others. “Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.” She was characterized by her kindness and compassion that she had for others. She used her talent for Christ! What talent has God given you? Are you using it for the Lord?

 

Finally is the area of finances. Luke 16:1-2 says, “And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.”  Christ has given you the money you have, and He expects you to properly steward it. Realize that it is all His, but He is trusting you to take care of it. Are you stewarding God’s money correctly?

 

Nothing that we have is ours—our lives, time, talent, or money. God gave each of those things to us. How are you stewarding the things God has given you, and in what areas could you be a better steward?

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