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This episode is part of a 3-part series where we talk to Stephen Rohrer about a series of blogs he wrote for Life Financial Group.

 

Jesus addressed stewardship in 16 out of 38 parables. Furthermore, 10% of the total verses in the Gospels deal with money and possessions. And when you realize how much of the Gospels are descriptive narrative (i.e. “And He went and lived in a city called Nazareth”), this means that Christ chose to dedicate a significant portion of His recorded teaching to stewardship.

Why is that one topic so important for disciples of Christ to understand correctly?

It is because we are stewards. And not only are all believers called to be stewards generally, but it is also a specific characteristic of Christian leadership roles.

 

Apostles:

1 Cor. 4:1 tells us that we should regard the apostles as “servants and stewards of the mysteries of God”. The apostles were to take the care and attention of a steward in dispensing their knowledge. And we (non-apostles) are to respect their unique position as stewards of the mysteries of God. As we will discuss more in this series, the stewardship of the apostles came with additional responsibilities.

 

Elder/Pastor:

Elders in the church are “God’s stewards” (Titus 1:7). As they care for God’s flock, elders should have the mindset and behavior of a steward. They should model all the traits of a good steward as an example to other believers. It is interesting that the Apostle Paul ties all the qualifications for elder to stewardship. Because the elders are God’s stewards, they need to meet the other qualifications. Again, the role of steward comes with expectations and responsibilities.

 

All Believers:

We are all supposed to use the gifts that God gives us “to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10.) As previously mentioned, nearly half of Jesus’ parables called His disciples to wise stewardship. The parable of the talents in Matt. 25, for example, clearly applies stewardship to all believers.

There are different levels and types of stewards, but as disciples of Christ, we all have the responsibility of stewards.

Because we are all stewards, Christ clearly thinks it is vital that we know how a steward thinks and what is expected of a steward. And although money is the easiest gauge and test, these stewardship principles apply to far more than money.

Jesus makes clear to us that if we do not learn what good stewardship is, the cost is high – both on earth and in heaven.

 

Earthly Cost:

If we are poor stewards of our gifts, we jeopardize our earthly relationships, testimony, and opportunities for ministry.

  • Relationships Costs: It is well-known that a leading reason for divorce in the U.S. is money. How many families are crushed under the weight of poor financial preparation? How many friendships are strained by monetary concerns? (Foolish partnerships, co-signing loans, etc.) Beyond money, think of the relationship growth that could have happened if believers made full use of the gifts and abilities that God has given them.
  • Testimony Costs: How many Christians have brought dishonor to Christ’s name through their poor stewardship? Far too many unbelievers are turned off from the gospel because they see Christians mismanaging the gifts that God has given them. This could be through laziness (burying the talent) or through selfish pursuit of earthly riches.
  • Ministry Opportunity Costs: How many gifted leaders have lost their position through financial mismanagement? How many believers have lost opportunities to serve because they stewarded their resources badly?

 

Heavenly Cost:

Jesus makes it clear from the parable of the talents (Matt. 25) and the parable of the ten minas (Luke 19) that He takes stewardship (both good and bad) very seriously. Good stewards will be given more to steward in the kingdom; bad stewards will be sternly judged. Bad stewards will not hear “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” (Matt. 25:23b). Instead, bad stewards will hear “You wicked and slothful servant!” (Matt. 25:26). It is hard to think of worse words to hear from our Savior when we see Him face to face. (Unless, of course, he is not your Savior because you have not put your trust in him).

This is why Jesus makes stewardship a central theme. The stakes are exceedingly high. He wants us to learn good stewardship because He wants us to do well. It is convicting because I know how much of my time/money/gifts I have mismanaged. But it is encouraging to know that my Lord wants me to succeed. He wants us to turn a profit on the gifts He has given us. He wants to use us to build his kingdom.

 

What a privilege and opportunity!

 

 

Next Steps

 

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