![]() ![]() In the parable, he describes a man who goes on a journey, entrusting his servants with his wealth and possessions in his absence. “Be on the alert,” he said, “for you do not know which day your Lord is coming” ( Matthew 24:42). In the Parable of the Talents ( Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus again used a story to encourage his followers to be ready for his return at all times. What Happens in the Parable of the Talents? The Parable of the Talents is one of those stories. For this reason, very few stories ever end with “the end.” A great story stays with you, and in the case of Jesus’ parables, many of his listeners were still contemplating their application well beyond their initial telling, often arriving at the meaning of the message on their own, as opposed to simply being told. They are easier to recall and share with others. And while Jesus also used sermons to communicate, his use of story holds a special place in his ministry and teaching style. ![]() These stories were his way of explaining the attributes of God and instructions for godly living inaccessible human terms. “Stewardship” is not merely about your personal finances it’s an all-encompassing, life-changing, worldview-correcting word that provides us the proper perspective of who God is, and who he intends for us to be.Jesus often packaged spiritual truths and lessons of faith into short, relatable narratives known as parables. You are a manager of the life-and all that this life includes-that God has entrusted to you! If you live and breathe, you are a steward. Psalm 24:1 declares that the “earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” Friends, this means you belong to God, not only you, but your possessions, time, talents, giftings, resources, money, body, career, children, silverware, lawn, relationships-everything. But we do not own these skills or use them to rack up accolades for ourselves rather God has graciously bestowed them on us, equipping us serve him and love our neighbors.Įverything in this life belongs to God. Not only has God entrusted you with possessions and time, he has entrusted you with talents and abilities. God has generously granted each of us the gift of life, and we are to manage our time with his lordship in mind. Life is a precious gift that is bound by time. Not only has God entrusted you with possessions, he has entrusted you with time. Your car, computer, cell phone, pets, retirement account, stove, couch, home-God owns all of it, and he has entrusted it to you to manage for his glory and his purposes. The money in your bank account belongs to God. The clothes you’re wearing belong to God. All your possessions- all of them-belong to God, and he has entrusted them to you to manage while you reside on this earth. I’m curious do you see yourself as a steward? You should! In all reality, nothing in this world belongs to you. To be a “steward” means to be someone entrusted with responsibility over something that does not belong to them. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” ![]() The apostle Paul uses oikonomos twice in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 to define his role as an apostle, stating “ This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. The Greek word for stewardship, oikonomos, refers to either: (1) someone entrusted to oversee or manage important spiritual responsibilities, or (2) a manager of a household. Webster’s dictionary defines stewardship as “the conducting, supervision, or managing of something… especially: the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.” I remember hearing this word as a new Christian and thinking, “What are these people talking about, and what does that word even mean?” However, when I discovered the fully orbed meaning of stewardship, I began to see what a tremendous impact it could have on my spiritual maturity and fruitfulness. What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “stewardship”? Is it your church? Is it your bank account? Do your eyebrows scrunch together as you ponder what it means? We hardly hear the word outside of church, and when we say stewardship inside the church it’s usually in the context of finances or giving.
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