A Proper Steward

Verses for Study: Deuteronomy 8:17-18; Matthew 25:14-30

 Quite often we begin to act as if everything we have is our own. This is my car, my wife, my kids, my home, my body, my money,etc. When we think this way, we get quite upset when anyone or anything threatens our ownership. "After all I worked hard to get what I have how dare someone try to tell me what to do with it." It is very easy to forget that everything we have is a gift from God. In reality we are owners of nothing but as citizens of the Kingdom of God, we are stewards (or managers) of everything that is given to us. As a owner I may be tempted to neglect what I have, but if I am watching God's property I am going to make sure I handle it with as much care as possible so that when I am held accountable for what is in my possession I can do so without fear of repercussion for mismanagement.

 If I am a steward of all that is given me then that would include my job, my family, my house, my health, my car, etc. A good manager would first find out what the owner expects in each of his areas of responsibility, and then make sure that the owners instructions are carried out to the best of his ability. If God has given me a marriage then I need to do everything in my power to create a successful marriage. If God has given me children, then I must do everything possible to be the best father I can be. Since God has given me my body I must do everything I can to ensure that I am promoting a healthy body. The more areas in our life that we treat as God's and not our own, the longer we will have them. And if by some chance God (the owner) decides to take them away sooner than we wish, we must understand that these were always His to begin with and be thankful for the time he entrusted them to our care.

Prayer: Dear Lord- Thank you for all that you have given me. Help me to study your word with an open heart that I may understand how to best care for your gifts entrusted to me. Please help me to be a faithful and grateful steward. In Jesus name, Amen.

Giving Our Best Effort

Read: Matthew 25: 14-30

 When I was nineteen years old, I spent a summer touring with a national Christian singing group. On one of the numbers, it was my job to go out in the audience and find kids to participate in a children's song. When I came upon a child being cradled by his father I asked if it would be alright to take the boy up to participate. The father then gently pointed out that his son was mentally and physically disabled. I was a little taken aback but then regaining my composure I assured the gentleman it would be all right. After taking the child up the front and cradling him on my lap I noticed how severe his disabilities were. It appeared that he probably wasn't going to be aware of what was going on around him let alone be able to participate. As the music started I was surprised to see him attempt to do what the other children were doing. Even though his movements were not grand, it was obvious that he was doing the best he could with whatever ability God had given him.

 As the song came to a close I couldn't help but accept the gentle rebuke in my spirit. How often have I been guilty of "going through the motions" instead of giving my best effort to God. So many times we take what God has given us for granted and instead of thanking him with the best of our abilities,we merely do enough to "get by." While, as Christians, we realize no matter what we do we can't earn our way to heaven, it is because we love Him that we want Him to be happy with our efforts. It is because of our love for God that we must love others by caring for their needs, sharing our faith, and mentoring other Christians.

Dear Lord- Thank you for another day to serve you. Help me to use my health and talents wisely so that I may best serve you and others. In Jesus name, Amen.