Faithful Stewards

Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.  2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

1 Corinthians 4:1-2, NKJV

While looking through one of my personal journals, I came across some interesting notes regarding stewardship; and if you will indulge me, I would like to share my thoughts on the subject with you. Before we get started, let me define the word 'steward':

 stew-ard (noun)

1. A person who manages another's property or financial affairs; one who administers anything as the agent of another or others.
2. A person who has charge of the household of another, buying or obtaining food, directing the servants, etc.

As a Christian, I sometimes have a hard time understanding the concept of being a steward; and because of my confusion, I mislabel that which has been entrusted to me. So what should be done in order to alleviate my misunderstanding?  I have to change the way I think.

You see, the first principle of stewardship is this: we do not make ourselves stewards; it is a position that is placed upon us by another--in our case God.  As our "Employer", He endows us with gifts and talents, and expects us to use that which He has given us in such a way that He is glorified.  His expectation is that we turn a significant profit for the kingdom and make Him look good.  As we busy our hands doing that which is required of us, God reviews our work and labels us as either as a faithful or an unfaithful steward. The faithful steward receives additional responsibilities and is able to remain in the presence of the Master; while the one who has proven himself to be unfaithful receives a reprimand (see the Parable of the Talents as found in Matthew 25:14-30).

My actions both in private and public settings is a testament to others of how much I truly love Christ,  As my everyday ordinary life is reviewed, others should  be able to determine whether or not I am a trust-worthy diligent individual.  When I open my mouth, the words of my testimony should proclaim that I am full of the wisdom and knowledge of God, that faithful instruction is on my tongue, and forgiveness in my heart. My work ethics and deeds should be governed by the wise decisions that I make as I strive demonstrate my diligence to complete a given task without short-changing my Employer.

My success as a steward is found in my relationship with Christ, for if I seek to be one who can be entrusted with the secret things and/or the mysteries of God, then my gaze should always be on doing that which I have been called to do.  I will prove myself faithful if I work hard with my own hands and see that the assignment that I have been given is completed in such a way that the outcome glorifies God.  My heart's focus should always be centered around serving both God and man; for as I do, not only will my heart be changed, but those within my circle of influence will be encouraged to keep moving forward in their faith.