Stewardship is an ethic or a moral attribute, a life philosophy that embodies trust and the responsible planning and management of resources on behalf of another (entity)
As a christian, life itself is a trust that has been given to us. Whether it is one talent, two talents or five talents (Matt 25:14-30), we have been entrusted with a responsibility of managing the resources of another. The 'Well done, you upright (honorable, admirable) and faithful servant!' is not a flattery but a goal we should look forward to with eager anticipation.
We are stewards of the Mysteries of God!(1 Cor 4:1)
In view of this it becomes important to share on the Principles of stewardship (Luke 16:10-12)
1. Principle of growth: From little to much (verse 10)
Growth is the progressive increase in size that is measured in height or weight. To be effective stewards in the kingdom of God, we must acknowledge that the things of God go through processes 'First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens' Mark 4:28. If you despise small things (beginnings Zech 4:10) it will not be possible for you to arrive at greatness.
If you can not be trusted with the seedling, you can not manage the harvest! Appreciate and be faithful in smallness because it is the precursor for greatness
2. Principle of values: From worldly wealth to true riches (verse 11)
The ability to acknowledge what is true riches form mammon draws a clear line of distinction between Baalam and Daniel. When Baalam was given rewards by Baalak (Num 22:7 NLT: Balak’s messengers, who were elders of Moab and Midian, set out with money to pay Balaam to place a curse upon Israel) he became so blinded that a beast (donkey) had more sense (vision) than him. He should have chosen true riches and not money! Daniel tells the King "Let your gifts be for
yourself and give your rewards to another. However, I will read the
writing to the king and make known to him the interpretation" He had what was true riches.
Jesus said that the Body (true riches) is of more value than clothes and life (true riches) is more important than food (Matt 5:25). What you attach more value to becomes your life passion. To get true riches, you must have your values right! Values is about what you consider to be of greater quality!
3. Principle of relations:From someone else’s property to property of your own (verse 12)
The Kingdom of God operates on the basis of relationships. The master declares that 'you should have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received what was my own with interest question. The answer of the servant shows that the main problem was his attitude to the master!
Joseph was in-charge of Potipher's house, Got gave him his own. He was faithful with Potipher's wife, God gave him his own!
The ability to be faithful with another man's becomes a seed for your own.
