The Obligations of a Steward

“Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.” I Cor 4:1

Just exactly what are we stewards of? What are we responsible for?

We are stewards of life. Stewards are responsible for the way they conduct themselves in relation to things and other persons. In Luke 12:45-46 the steward who abuses food, drink, and his authority over other persons is punished. Likewise in Titus 1:7-9 the church leader, “as the steward of God,” must not be: arrogant, despotic, self-willed, domineering, quick-tempered, greedy, or a drunkard.

All of life is given in trust from God to all people. As stewards, all people are responsible to God, and accountable to God, for how they live their lives. How we use or abuse: our time, influence, abilities, advantages, or our authority, are stewardship issues.

We are stewards of one another. In Luke 12:42, the steward is to care and watch over other servants, he is to use the Lord’s possessions to meet the needs of members of the Lord’s household. This implies that under the sovereign lordship of God, we are to use His things to meet the needs of His servants. Hebrews 12:24 says we are responsible to provoke one another to love and good works. We are responsible to create the climate for, and to issue the challenge to, spiritual growth. Eph. 4:11-16

Christians are supposed to grow, and the church leaders are to nurture them. Who are you nurturing right now in your life? Ask God to give you someone or a group that you can encourage and pour your life into!