Beginning in the book of Genesis, God gave to humankind a significant stewardship or management responsibility: “Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." Genesis 1:26 NIV
Throughout the Bible, God re-enforces and expands that management responsibility:
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. I Corinthians 4:2 NKJV
For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine. Psalm 50:10-11 NIV
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. Malachi 3:10 NIV
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 NIV
The way we manage our blessings and resources may be the greatest indicator of where we are in our relationship to God. Here are three core values of stewardship that are shaping the way Amanda and I manage our resources:
• All resources are given by God and are to be channeled through our lives to advance God’s purposes in the world.
• Giving our tithes and offerings to our local church is an act of cheerful obedience to God, and a tangible testimony that we are growing toward aligning all of our resources with God’s unique will for us.
• The way we manage our resources…time, talent, and tangible resources… is one of the primary ways we honor God.
This Sunday we will be tackling a difficult and delicate subject. As we continue our series, What Would Jesus REALLY Do?, I am asking the ridiculous question, “Would Jesus Throw a Keg Party?” The message is intended to help all ages among us to think scripturally, conscientiously, and responsibly about our ideas and attitudes toward alcohol. Pray for me as I address the crucial topic in a way that equips us to be better Christians.
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we gather for worship and Bible study.
