God designed men and women to be
managers of Earth’s vast resources.
“Even if it’s a simple act like working on your photo albums or puttering in the garden - these, too, are how we have a taste of what was meant to rule over a small part of God’s great Kingdom.” (Howard Hendricks)
God has placed certain things in the hands of each one of us. He wants us to do something with them.
There are five things each of us are to manage to God’s glory.
Good management brings good reward.
What’s In Your Hand?
In the parable of the talents, the Master gave his servants a differing amount of money to invest. Later, He evaluated how each servant managed what he was given. Imagine yourself as one of these servants, holding out your hand to receive what the Master gives over to your stewardship. Now instead of money, or in addition to money, imagine the things now in your hands. Guess what? This scenario is real. You and I have indeed been given certain things to steward or manage.
Five Things That You Are to Steward
I call these things your “ways”, and I picture them as five lanes in the highway that is your life. Proverbs 3:6 says “In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” Your five ways are:
Your relationship with Jesus. We are to know Him better and better and love Him more and more.
Your self. This includes taking care of your body and your mind as well as cultivating your talents and skills.
Your relationships with others. Your interactions with and love for the people God places in your life.
Your stuff. This means your money, your home, your clothes, your car. This is the tiny slice of Earth that has been placed in your care.
Your Kingdom Assignment. Paul refers to this as “the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me…” (Ephesians 3:2) You and I are stewards of God’s grace as well.
The Rewards of Good Management
Life in general will be smoother. When we acknowledge God in each of our ways, we are aligning our hearts with His heart. Living in congruence with God’s principles makes life so much easier in so many ways!
Fruit will be produced. The natural result of stewarding our ways leads to bearing fruit for God’s Kingdom. It’s doing what we were born to do!
Responsibilities in Heaven will be awarded. In the parable of the talents in Luke 19:11-26 the Master said to the faithful stewards, “…because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you shall have authority over ten cities.” (v17) and “…you shall have authority over five cities.” (v 19)
“Faithfulness here prepares for participation in Christ’s authority hereafter.” (from Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers.”)
You will hear the sweetest “That’s My Girl” in the history of everything!
A part of your Kingdom Assignment is to be who you were born to be—an Image Bearer and a Steward.
Acknowledge your role as a Steward.
Acknowledge God in all your ways.
Be diligent in your stewardship.
The most humble task, viewed correctly, can be a way to honor the Lord!