Stewardship

A steward may be defined as a “person who manages another's property or financial affairs; one who administers anything as the agent of another or others.” As Christians, we may consider ourselves stewards of the things that God blesses us with. While on this earth, God has blessed us with many things that we enjoy. But it is important to consider who gave us the ability to work for those things that we enjoy. It is equally important to see how we use what God has given us and if we are doing the best with what God has provided. Consider in Matthew 25 the parable of the talents. A man called his servants to him and delivered goods, we read. One received five talents, one received two and another one. Reading on, “Then he that had received five talents went and traded with the same, and made another five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained another two. But he that received one talent went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money”. As the parable continues, we later read that the servant that received five talents had gained five more for his master. Likewise, the servant that received two talents had gained two more for his master. In verse 25, we find that the last servant who received one talent hid his in the ground, which displeased his master when he found out. (v.25-30) “His master replied, 'You wicket servant, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so when I returned I would have received it back with interest. Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' “

Do we bury our talents? After reading this parable it is safe to say that what Jesus spoke of has application in our lives. Our abilities are from God and God wants us to use those, not to bury them. Let's take advantage of opportunities for God's service in this life and use our abilities to the maximum to please our Lord.