FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK:

QUALITIES OF THE CHRISTIAN STEWARD

(All references are from the N.R.S. Version of the Bible)

A steward is one who is placed to oversees the possessions, business affairs, property, etc. of his/her Master. The Apostle Paul saw himself as a steward who would have to give an account of what God has given to him. So what are the qualities of a Christian steward:

1. A Christian steward is compassionate. They are caretakers and caregivers. They concern themselves with the distribution of gifts and resources so that all might benefit. (Genesis 2:4-9; Matthew 14:13-21, 25:31-46; 1 Corinthians 12:12-28; James 2:14-17)

2. A Christian steward is content. They acknowledge that their strength comes from God through whom they can do all things regardless of how many or how few material possessions they have. (Philippians 4:11-13; 1 Timothy 6:6-10)

3. A Christian steward is generous. They give whatever is needed and when-ever it is needed. (Proverbs 11:24-29; Mark 10:17-22; Luke 12:13-21; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, 9:6-15; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Timothy 6:17-19)

4. A Christian steward is grateful. They value what has been entrusted to their care and protect and preserve everything as if it were their own yet acknowledging that the earth and all that is in it belong to God. (Psalm 24, 92:1-4; Luke 16:19-31; Philippians 4:6)

5. A Christian stewards is loving. They know that the Lord requires justice and kindness and humility, and they follow the two greatest commandments. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Micah 6:6-8; Mark 12:28-34; Luke 10:29-37, 11:42; 1 Corinthians 13:3, 16:13-14; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 Peter 4:8-11)

6. A Christian stewards is loyal. They serve God faithfully, remembering who they are, whose they are, and why they are here on earth. (Matthew 6:19-21, 24; Luke 14:25-33)

7. A Christian steward is obedient. They obey God by setting aside a part of all their income for others. (Deuteronomy 14:22-29, 26:1-18; Malachi 3:6-18; Luke 18:18-30; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2)

8. A Christian steward is prayerful. They acknowledge the greatness and good-ness of God through prayer, fellowship, study, worship, and reflection. Isaiah 40:28-31; Psalm 145; Jeremiah 29:11-14; John 6:25-40; Romans 12:1-21)

9. A Christian steward is responsible. They realize that caring for God’s creation and wisely managing resources never ends. (Genesis 41:37-45; Numbers 18:25-32; 2 Samuel 24:18-25; Matthew 28:16-20)

10. A Christian steward sacrifices. They follow Jesus’ teaching to sacrifice what they have out of gratitude for their many blessings. (Mark 12:41-44)

11. A Christian steward shares. They have learned to distribute fairly so that none will be in need. (Luke 19:1-10; Acts 4:32-35, 20:34-35)

12. A Christian steward is trustworthy. They can be trusted to make wise decisions concerning the resources placed within their care. (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 16:10-13; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2)

Do we have any excuse not to be a good steward of what God has instructed to us. May God bless you and keep you in the palm of his Hand.

Pastor Dora