The Stewardship Of Life

Title: The Stewardship of Life Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 4:2 Introduction In our journey of faith, we often come to a profound realization: our lives are not merely our own but are entrusted to us by God, our Creator and Redeemer. The Apostle Paul, in his letters to the Corinthians, emphasizes this truth, reminding us that we have been bought with a price, a reference to the sacrificial love of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:20). This idea of stewardship is foundational to our Christian walk. It compels us to recognize life as a divine endowment from God, a gift that carries with it responsibilities and opportunities. In acknowledging our role as stewards, we understand that our existence is not a random occurrence but part of a greater divine plan. This perspective invites us to reflect on how we can glorify God through our actions, decisions, and the way we lead our lives. I. We Belong to God The essence of our stewardship is rooted in an unshakeable truth: we belong to God. This belonging is multifaceted, encompassing our creation, salvation, and the continuous care we receive from God. A. Created by God In the beginning, as narrated in Genesis, God created humanity in His own image (Genesis 1:27). This act of creation was not a mere formation of life but an impartation of divine likeness. Furthermore, in Genesis 2:7, we see a personal touch in our creation: God formed man from the dust and breathed into him the breath of life, making him a living soul. This intimate act signifies our inherent connection with God, establishing our identity and purpose in His grand design. B. Saved by God Our belonging to God extends to the realm of salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 and Romans 6:23 articulate the grace of God in our salvation. It is not through our works but through faith that we are saved, underscoring the gift of grace. This salvation, offered through Jesus Christ, represents a profound rescue from sin and its consequences. It binds us to God in a relationship that is both redemptive and transformative. C. Cared for by God Our daily life and the resources we enjoy are testaments to God's providential care. The Scriptures remind us in 1 Timothy 6:7 and Psalm 24:1 of God's sovereignty over creation and His generous provision. Everything we have, from material possessions to the breath in our lungs, is a testament to His loving care. Recognizing this, we understand that our role as stewards is not just about managing resources but appreciating and using them in accordance with God's will and purpose. II. Prioritize God Jesus' teachings, particularly in Matthew 6:33 and 10:37, call us to prioritize God above all else in our lives. This is not a mere suggestion but a core tenet of our faith. Placing God first means reorienting our values, decisions, and actions to align with His will and purpose. It means that our relationship with God takes precedence over even our closest human relationships and personal ambitions. This priority is evident in the way we structure our lives: Christ is the foremost among all figures in the Bible, the Lord's Day stands out among the days of the week, the Bible is unparalleled among books, and the church holds a unique place among institutions. Our financial stewardship through tithing and our response to God's calling are practical manifestations of this priority. In doing so, we express our gratitude and acknowledge His supreme place in our lives. If we prioritize God, we can look at our relationship as stewards like this: If God is the owner, then I am the manager whom He has trusted with His resources. I must learn to think, therefore, like His manager. A manager oversees the owner's assets for the owner's benefit. A manager carries no sense of entitlement to the assets he or she manages. The job of a manager is to find out what the owner wants done with His assets and then to carry out His will. This understanding affects how we give. III. Partnership with God Our stewardship is more than a mere responsibility; it is an invitation to partner with God in His work. As Paul states in 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 and 2 Corinthians 6:1, we are co-laborers with God. This partnership is both a privilege and a calling. It extends to all areas of our lives, be it in our professions, our community service, or our ministry within the church. Each action, decision, and interaction is an opportunity to collaborate with God, furthering His kingdom on earth. This partnership does not mean that we work for God as distant employees, but rather that we work with Him, guided by His wisdom and empowered by His Spirit. It transforms our perspective on work, making even the most mundane tasks a part of something divine and eternal. IV. Accountability to God In our stewardship, we are not only responsible for receiving and managing God's gifts but also accountable for how we utilize them. As stated by Paul in Romans 14:12, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. This accountability extends beyond our initial acceptance of salvation. It encompasses how we use our talents, time, financial resources, energies, and all that we have been given. Our stewardship is a reflection of our understanding and appreciation of God's grace. It is not enough to merely acknowledge our gifts; we must also use them in ways that honor God and advance His purposes. This accountability encourages us to live intentionally, making choices that reflect our commitment to God and our desire to serve Him faithfully. Peter Marshall, the former chaplain of the Unites States Senate, said that he had a man come to him one time and say, I have a problem. I have been tithing for some time. It wasn't too bad when I was making $20,000 a year; I could afford to give up $2,000. But now that I am making $500,000, there is no way I can afford to give away $50,000 a year. And Peter Marshall gave no advice to the man. Instead, he simply said, Yes, sir. I see that you have a problem. I think we ought to pray about it. Is that all right?" The man agreed, so Dr. Marshall bowed his head and prayed, Dear Lord, this man has a problem, and I pray that you will help him. Please reduce his salary back to the place where he can afford to tithe."2 Conclusion The relationship between owner and manager or steward can be one of two types: The first is transactional, the second is transformational. This type of relationship is based on exchanges or transactions where each party gives something to get something in return. It's a contractual relationship where the manager or steward performs duties in exchange for some form of compensation. For instance, in a transactional stewardship, the steward manages the owner's property or wealth with the understanding that their role is strictly to increase or preserve the owner's assets as per the agreement. It's akin to the parable of the talents where the servants are entrusted with their master's wealth and are expected to generate returns (Matthew 25:14-30). In a transactional relationship, the focus is on duties, results, and rewards. In contrast, a transformational relationship goes beyond mere transactions and aims to change or improve the parties involved. In the context of stewardship, it means the steward is not just managing the owner's assets but is also growing in character, developing a deeper relationship with the owner, and perhaps even sharing the owner's vision and passion for the assets being managed. The transformational steward doesn't just work for reward but is motivated by a sense of purpose, duty, and even love for the owner and the owner's property. In our walk with God, we are called to be stewards of all He has entrusted to us: our time, talents, treasures, and the Gospel itself. Are we treating our stewardship transactionally, simply doing what we must to receive God's blessings? Or are we engaging with God transformationally, allowing our roles as stewards to change us, to deepen our love for Him, and to align our hearts with His purposes? As transformational stewards, we experience the joy of our work and see our service as an opportunity to grow closer to God, reflecting His glory in everything we manage on His behalf. Transformational relationships are made easier when the element of love and selflessness is involved. Does God truly understand you on a personal level? Think about your passion - it's natural to delve deeply into something you care deeply about, isn't it? In the same way, God is deeply interested in us. The Bible tells us He knows us down to the number of hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30). This is a testament to how thoroughly He knows us-better than we know ourselves-because He deeply cares for us. As Peter puts it in 1 Peter 5:7: "Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." Yet, this example barely scratches the surface of His love for us. Imagine the extent of God's love that He would set aside the majesty, power, and glory of His divine realm. He entered our world, took on human flesh, and endured a death beyond our comprehension. All this, so we could regain the authority meant for us and enter the eternal life He promises. God's love is profound, so profound that He sent Jesus to bridge the gap caused by our own missteps. Yet, many overlook this profound gift of salvation. It's a gift that is freely offered to everyone. Together, let's embrace our role as stewards with a sense of reverence and purpose. Our lives, given and sustained by God, are a testament to His love and grace. In response, let us honor Him with all that we are and all that we have. Let our stewardship be a reflection of our gratitude, love, and recognition of our profound accountability to God. As we live out our days, may we do so with the awareness that we are caretakers of a divine trust, called to glorify God in every aspect of our lives. May we pray: Gracious God, thank You for entrusting us with the gift of life and the call to stewardship. As we conclude this gathering, strengthen us to be faithful stewards of all You have given-our time, talents, and treasures. Help us prioritize You above all, reflecting Your love and grace in our actions. Guide us to serve not just with a sense of duty, but with hearts transformed by Your Spirit. Remind us of Your deep care for us, beyond what we can comprehend, shown through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. May we live in gratitude for this ultimate gift of love and salvation, available to all. Lead us forth with purpose and humility, ready to use our gifts for Your glory. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. Please stand as you are able for our hymn of response, "Take My Life, and Let It Be," on page 4 of your worship bulletin.