The Divine Order of Stewardship
On Stewardship, Authority, and God's Sovereign Control
In exploring the concept of stewardship through the lens of Scripture, we unveil a profound understanding of man's role and responsibility in various spheres of life.
Rooted in the Psalms and various New Testament passages, the biblical perspective on stewardship reveals a divine order that governs our interactions with God, fellow men, and the world.
Stewardship:
In both Hebrew and Greek, the word for steward carries the essence of a man overseeing a house—sometimes translated as ruler or possessor.
Stewardship, therefore, is aptly described as housekeeping, emphasizing the management and responsibility delegated to man by God. This includes roles within the family, country, and business.
Psalms 115:16 (KJV) - "The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's: but the earth hath he given to the children of men."
Man's Office and Relationship to God
Man's office is his glory under God, defined by what is given to him to control.
Stewardship becomes the means by which he orders and manages what is placed under his control.
In relation to God, man serves as a servant in the capacity appointed by God, accountable for the gifts bestowed upon him.
Psalms 8:6 (KJV) - "Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet."
Authority and Delegation
Man's authority, whether over family, country, or business, is either self-derived or from God.
Every exercise of authority should be carried out with the awareness that it is ultimately derived from God.
Jesus, having received all authority from God, exemplifies the delegation and limitation of authority.
Psalm 2 (KJV) - "Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion."
Matthew 25:15 (KJV) - "And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey."
Gifts and Responsibility
Jesus' parable of the talents underscores the connection between gifts and responsibility.
A good administration requires the unity of one's ability and talents. Disobedience to God is identified as the most disqualifying trait in any office.
Romans 12:8 (KJV) - "Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness."
1 Peter 4:10 (KJV) - "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."
Unity in Diversity
Every Christian, as an office bearer, has a calling. The false perception of some having offices while others do not has led to a division of sacred and secular spheres.
Yet, every Christian, even a slave, has a calling, and each part of life is by God's will and direction.
1 Corinthians 7:21 (KJV) - "Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather."
Reforming Society Through the Gospel
The reforming of institutions through the Gospel, not revolt, brings about change.
Christians are called to reform societal structures according to God's law, acknowledging mutual dependence in executing various offices.
Each zone of society has unique and distinct offices formed by God's appointment.
The Law of Historical Unfolding
The desire to return to the "good old days" is challenged by the Law of Historical Unfolding, bringing all things under Christ's feet.
The Christian need not fear discoveries, for all things are in God's control. The unfolding of history aligns with God's divine plan.
In embracing the biblical perspective on stewardship, we recognize the divine order that governs our roles, responsibilities, and relationships.
It's a call to be faithful stewards in every sphere of life, understanding that all authority and gifts are derived from God and are to be used for His glory.