YOU ARE GOD’S STEWARD (Part 1)

“For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NKJV)

 

A steward manages the property, finances, or other affairs for someone else. A steward holds assets in trust for a beneficiary. He is a custodian, a caretaker, or an overseer.

 

A steward never says or claims that what is entrusted to his care belongs to him. He does not spend and waste lavishly upon himself what is committed to his hands as he wills or desires without the knowledge and approval of the owner.

 

A steward always waits to receive clear orders, commands, and instructions from the owner. A good or faithful steward manages whatever his master has committed to his hands with extreme care.

 

A faithful steward manages his master’s resources according to his master’s instructions, for he knows that he will one day give an account of his stewardship to his master.

 

This is steward mentality!

 

Whether we realize it or not, we all are God’s stewards. Although you may dispute or struggle with this, the truth is that you own nothing in this world. Why?

 

First, because God is the Creator, Maker, and Owner of everything, including you.

 

God made everything without any man’s input or support (Psa. 50:12). Therefore, you are either a stark liar or an arrant fool to claim that you own anything in this world.

 

The Scripture clearly states this truth.

 

Genesis 1:1 – NKJV

 1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

 

Psalms 24:1 – RSV

 1 A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD’s and the fulness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.

 

1 Chronicles 29:11-12 – NKJV

 11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, And You are exalted as head over all.

 12 Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great and give strength to all.

 

Second, we all are God’s stewards because we brought nothing into this world, and after our brief sojourning in this world, we shall carry nothing out of this world.

 

Amid his trials, Job acknowledges this truth.

 

Job 1:21 – NKJV

 21 And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.”

 

Apostle Paul also testifies to this truth.

 

1 Timothy 6:6-8 – NKJV

 6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain.

 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

 

That is true of everyone in this world. You came into the world naked from your mother’s womb, and naked you shall return. So, you own nothing!

 

If you were indeed the owner of your property, estate, finances, or any possessions in this world, then you should be able to carry them all or at least a portion of them with you out of this world.

 

Since no man has ever brought anything into this world or taken anything out of this world, it simply implies that no man truly owns anything in this world. We all are just a steward of God’s resources.

 

Third, we all are God’s stewards because there is nothing we have in this world that we did not receive from God.

 

Paul queries the boastful believers in Corinth, “For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” (1 Cor. 4:7 NKJV).

 

You cannot have anything, no matter what you do, if God does not release or give it to you. Therefore, if what you have is given to you by God, you cannot claim to be the actual owner; you are just a steward.

 

John testifies to this truth, “John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.” (John 3:27 NKJV).

 

James also testifies to this truth, “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” (James 1:16-17 NKJV).

 

You may argue or claim that what you have rightfully belongs to you because you were the one who labored or worked hard to earn it. But the truth is this: God gives you the wisdom, strength, or power to work. God owns the breath of life in you; the instant He takes it, you are gone.

 

While the children of Israel were in the wilderness en route to the Promised Land, Moses warned them never to say in their hearts that “My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’ “And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” (Deut. 8:17-18 NKJV).

 

The blessing of the LORD makes one rich and adds no sorrow with it (Prov. 10:22). It is the gift or blessing of God for you to work and be alive to receive and enjoy the wages or rewards of your labor.

 

Solomon testifies to this truth, “Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God.” (Eccl. 2:24 NKJV).

 

Solomon further writes, “I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, do good in their lives, and that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor- it is the gift of God.” (Eccl. 3:12-13 NKJV).

 

Therefore, no man in his right senses has the right to claim that any of the things he possesses belong to him.

 

By right, all the things you have belong to God – your life, family, finances, career, business, houses, cars, etc. God is the rightful owner of all you have and will still have in this world.

 

God has only appointed you to be one of His stewards, and one day you will stand before God to give an account of your stewardship.

 

Paul warns us about this.

 

Romans 14:11-12 – NKJV

 11 For it is written: “As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.”

 12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.

 

Paul’s admonition to the rich is for us today.

 

1 Timothy 6:17-19 – NKJV

 17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.

 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,

 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

 

Beloved, you must possess a steward’s mentality in all your dealings or transactions in the things of this life.

 

How will such a mindset affect your lifestyle?

 

Find out in the second part of this piece!

 

 

Prayer: My Dear Heavenly Father, I acknowledge You today as the rightful owner of everything I have and will ever have. My Dear Holy Spirit, teach and guide me to be a faithful steward of God’s riches and resources entrusted to my care, in Jesus’ name. Amen.