A Good Steward

Gen. 24:10-14

A steward is somebody who administrates another person's affairs and does it with the deep desire to reflect that person's will in the carrying out of the duties. Abraham's servant wonderfully illustrates that idea, not only in his obedience, but also in his prayers and faithful follow-through. Abraham's steward was accountable for "all sorts of choice gifts from his master." Considering Abraham's extraordinary wealth, this was a significant responsibility that required great trustworthiness and integrity. Every Christian should view themselves likewise - as God's stewards - and strive to faithfully and carefully oversee His resources and work here on earth.

Biblical Stewardship

1 Corinthians 16:1-2

Four characteristics of stewardship are found in this passage. The attributes underscore the importance of managing God’s resources wisely.

1. It is periodic. Paul instructs the Corinthians to lay something aside “on the first day of every week.” The reference here is not so much about the day – as important as it is - but about getting into a habit of giving regularly to God.

2. It is personal. When it comes to the responsibility give, the instructions in the NT are not to the church but to individual believers (“each of us”). When each member does what is right in spite of the circumstances, the church is blessed. One day we will all stand before the Lord and give an account of our stewardship of the truth, of our talent, and of our treasure.

3. It is proportionate. Each gift was to be proportional to how each giver had prospered. This principle of graduated tithing can be traced from Abraham to Paul, Abraham commenced it (Gen. 14:18-20), Jacob continued it (Gen. 28:22), Moses commanded it (Lev. 27:30), Jesus commended it (Matt. 23:23), and Paul concluded it. God’s people today are called to be faithful in their stewardship.

4. It is purposeful. Note the final time in verse 2: “so that there will be no collecting when I come,” Paul did not want to have to take time away from teaching and ministering to ensure the offering – he wanted it to already be done. This is why we take a weekly offering in our churches: so that we do not have to worry whether we can afford to pay the bills and send money to the mission field. If believers take God’s disciplined approach, they can focus their energies on doing His work and building His kingdom.