To continue trusting in our loving God is the best we can do. Some time ago I wrote, “Charge them – tell those – that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate: Laying up in store for themselves, a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life”
(1 Timothy 17-19). As believers, our affections should shift to things above – laying up treasures in heaven. Our charge is to:
- Do good,
- Be rich in good works,
- Give cheerfully to those in need, and
- Being ready to share whatever God has entrusted us with.
Ask yourself, what is a good investment – a safe and enduring one? How about an investment in heaven? “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth or rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). Moreover, we will be living a fulfilling life as well as walking worthy of the Lord and seeking to please Him in all our ways. In essence, we should seek to mirror God’s:
- Love for us,
- Care for us, and
- Generosity for us.
Giving helps us to keep an eternal perspective. C.S. Lewis wrote, “Aim at Heaven and you will get earth ‘thrown in’; aim at earth and you will get neither.” Now that is the thing of stewardship.
What differentiates a steward and other people? It is how we exercise our love, relationships, time, talent, rich life experiences, and resources. A faithful steward faithfully and diligently develops and uses relationships, knowledge, time, gifts, talents, and resources in ways that please the Lord and bear good fruit by making this world better. A steward is accountable for what God entrusts him with.
As effective stewards, we are to be the best we can be for the world by knowing, loving, and serving Jesus. We are to maximize the measure of faith, love, time, talent, and treasure according to the grace we have been given. We are to know as we are known by using the knowledge of the Word of Truth. Thank you Lord for giving us the wisdom and knowledge to add value to people, processes, and organizations as responsible and accountable stewards, for where our treasure is, there is our heart also.