Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Responsible Resource
Management
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and
to be generous and willing to share. (V.18)
Christian resource management, or stewardship, is a
transfer of ownership. Just as we have seen a business or restaurant come under
“new management”, we too, must bring our lives under new management, the
management of doing things God’s way. New management means a transformation
takes place in our lives. It means a new attitude, God’s attitude. What is
required of a Christian is to be faithful steward of ALL that God has provided
including our talents, time, and resources. We must recognize
that our life and everything we have belong to God.
Talents: Each one of us has been blessed with
natural talents/abilities. These abilities can be physical, social or
intellectual. We have also been endowed with spiritual gifts from the Holy
Spirit. It is your responsibility to use your talents for the glory of God.
Time: Our time comes from God and belongs to
God. We are the ambassadors or caretakers for God. This includes all of our
activities; shopping, working, playing, driving, watching TV, etc., etc. How
are you using your time to honor God?
Finances/Resources: Our life, our health, our
finances and all our possessions are God’s gift and we are only the managers.
How are you using the resources that God has blessed you with to further His
kingdom?
When we decide to use our time, talents, and resources for
the Lord we must do so with the characteristics of a good manager. We
must be cheerful givers. In Luke 6:38 Jesus promised, “give to others,
and God will give to you indeed, you will receive a full measure, a generous
helping poured into your hands – all that you can hold. The measure you use for
others is the one God will use for you.” We must be sacrificial givers.
The widow in Luke chapter 21 gave everything she had. But she had faith
that God will provide for her needs. It is important to remember how much is
left rather than how much is given. We must be faithful givers.
Paul also reminds Timothy that those who are well off are to be particularly
generous to others. “Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready
to give, willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:17-18). Finally, we must be loving
givers. All forms of giving ought to flow out of “love”. Only
faithful giving, freely and joyfully offered, flowing from love, is pleasing to
God. Giving is a form of worship, giving thanks to God and acknowledging
Him as the source of all blessings.
Thought for the day: Our time, talents and finance
must come under “new management” – God’s management.
Prayer: O Lord, help us to be good, responsible and
faithful Managers. Amen
Mathew Lukose, Ephiphany MTC, NY