Happy new month friends!
In the past 2 months, we've learnt how to step into 2024 and be unstoppable, and this month our focus shifts to stewardship.
Jesus told this story to His disciples: “There was a certain rich man who had a manager handling his affairs. One day a report came that the manager was wasting his employer’s money. So the employer called him in and said, ‘What’s this I hear about you? Get your report in order, because you are going to be fired.’ (Luke 16:1-2 NLT)
In the Message Bible, this parable is listed as the 'crooked' manager. In the KJV, it's the 'unrighteous steward'. The NLT has it titled as the 'shrewd ' manager while the NKJV has it as the 'unjust' steward.
It struck me that the rich man received a report that his manager was wasting his money (NLT), taking advantage of his position by running up huge personal expenses (The Message Bible), wasting his goods (NKJV) and wasting his possessions (NIV)
The different versions point to wastage of position, privilege and resources. The1828 Webster's Dictionary describes wasting as to destroy by scattering, to squander, to suffer to be lost unnecessarily or to throw away. The Strongs Concordance has it listed as to squander, disperse or scatter.
The Father has placed in each of our care resources and positions to manage. Whether you're a pastor or a parent, running a big business or a full time employee, the truth is that we're the custodians of the earth and everything in it on our Father's behalf (Genesis 1: 26)
Have you been a good steward of what God has given you charge of , including you?
Have you done what you said you'd do?
Can you give an account of how you've spent your time?
Can you show how you've managed the influence He has bestowed on you?
Can you prepare a detail how you've used your talents and gifts?
Have you taken advantage of all the opportunities that were presented before you?
God is way too meticulous and intentional about us (Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 2:10) and every single thing that He's put in our hands is expected to bear fruit and bring an ROI. John 16:16 reminds that us it was God who chose and put us in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. (The Message Bible )
What a tragedy it would be if at the end of our days as we're called to account, we're fearful and afraid because we wasted the life that was given to us to steward. Faced with the threat of losing his position and privilege, the steward resorted to shrewd and ungodly tactics to save his own skin.
As we march into the month of March, may we remember that God doesn't waste resources. Everything within and about us is to be used for the advancement of His Kingdom Agenda.
Stay dutiful and honorable; don't waste your shot at this life, to be counted among the faithful stewards.
Comments