Our blog for today is based on what may be the greatest verse in the Bible on the subject of stewardship. This one verse presents to us in vivid detail the four pillars in the temple of Christian stewardship. First of all, it teaches that the obligation of stewardship belongs to and devolves upon “everyone.” This verse further shows that the ministry of stewardship must be according to the gifts received. In addition, we learn that the scope of leadership takes in all the “manifold grace of God.” Finally, we are called upon and challenged by this verse to be good stewards.
There is an Old Testament passage, which teaches the principles of Christian stewardship. In the Song of Solomon, we read in chapter eight, verse 11, “Solomon had a vineyard at Baalhamon." He let out the vineyard unto keepers. Everyone for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand pieces of silver.” The language of this verse is oriental, yet the lesson is cosmopolitan. In every nation there must be some system of economics. For a prosperous condition there must be a division of labor. The land must be cultivated. The people must have food. So a wise ruler farms out his land to husbandmen, who are obligated to return a fair portion of the produce.
This is what Solomon had done with his vineyard. All of this had its counterpart in the church. Every man is a steward entrusted with God’s property. A little boy hit the nail on the head when he said, “Stewardship means that life is like a great ship loaded with rich cargo to be delivered to many places. God is the owner of the ship and its cargo and I am the captain.”
A steward is defined in Webster’s New World Dictionary as “one who acts as a supervisor or administrator, as of finances and property, for another or others.” The word steward as it is used in the New Testament is “one to whom a thing is committed.” In the Pulpit Commentary we read, “A steward is not an owner of the property. He is the responsible administrator of a trust” (Vol. 22, page 188).
It should be of vital interest to every Christian as to how we can be good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Over the next few weeks we will discuss this topic and what the Bible clearly says about giving to God.
May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Billy
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