Stewards of His Resources

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What’s our personal view about money? Somebody said, “Money has been defined as that something which buys everything but happiness and takes a man everywhere but to heaven. But money used in the right way confer a great deal of happiness and be the means of starting many on the path to heaven.” Personally, is money a means or an end? Is money a part of your life or your life? These are valid questions needing clarity.

 

Interestingly, the way we handle personal resources reflects our relationship with God. A.W. Tozer provided four questions on one’s view about treasures:

 

What do we value most?

What would we most hate to lose?

What do our thoughts turn to most frequently when we are free to think of what we will?

What affords us the greatest pleasure? 

 

Here’s an interesting tidbit from history: When Saladin died, he left directions that his empty hands should be on view outside his coffin. By this, he meant to teach that, of all his vast wealth and conquests, he could take nothing with him(Source Unknown). How does this story affect our perspective about money and its stewardship?

 

Let’s begin by defining stewardship as JoHannah Reardon shared:

 

The word stewardship comes from the Greek word oikenomous, which means somebody who manages a household. A person doesn't own the household but manages it. And stewards in the ancient world, of course, were trusted with everything from seeing that the floors were clean, to the finances, to the public face of that household. Joseph is a good biblical example of that. [1]

 

From the above definition, key principles arise from a spiritual perspective. Most importantly, stewardship is God’s sole idea. Our role as stewards is systematically instituting God's stewardship idea. It only occurs when biblical stewardship is applied in every aspect of life. Matthew shared, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (6:21). In addition, Scriptures are highlighting its importance for our information:

o   The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. Genesis 2:15

o   John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. John 3:27

o   Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17

 

Next, stewardship is God’s initiative. Therefore, our role is influencing others about it personally. How? By teaching others the means of applying biblical stewardship of God’s resources appropriately. Paul reminded Timothy, “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17). 

 

Lastly, stewardship is God’s invitation. Therefore, our role is impacting every generation purposely. It only occurs when people learn about biblical stewardship correctly. Thus, the work of the enemy towards loving and trusting in money is weakened. However, let’s clarify that having money is not the problem but the love of money is. Paul shared this principle to Timothy: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs (1 Timothy 6:10).

 

Knowing what we know now, changing our attitude as stewards becomes a priority. Here are Scriptures highlighting the value of having the right attitude that every steward of God must live by:

o   This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2

o   For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. Titus 1:7-10

o   Serve with goodwill, as to the Lord and not to men. Ephesians 6:7

 

Harvey Nowland shared this wonderful insight as a summary of God’s expectation from His stewards: 

Christians need to understand that opportunities to achieve God’s agenda in building His kingdom involve not only our material possessions but also our abilities, knowledge, skills and relationships. To make it simple – everything from your backyard and bank accounts to your mind and body - is a resource that you must manage for God. No false humility required here, you are an important member of God’s management team – stewardship. [2]

 

When we acknowledge God’s role in our lives as the Owner of everything, He is honoured and when He is honoured, He honours those who honour Him. Would you be His steward today?

 

Let’s talk again!

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[1] https://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/articles/churchhomeleadership/accountablegod.html

[2] https://www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/faith-based-family-finances/stewardship/stewardship-being-co-managers-with-god

Praying to God and Receiving from God

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Due to the modern perception of entitlement and immediate gratification every time, there’s an assumption that God will bend over backwards in overruling His good, eternal desires in responding to self-centred desires. This attitude, unfortunately, manifests when we pray. Thus, in correcting this idea, William Barclay reminded us three things when we pray and to remember:              

·      The love of God that wants the best for us.

·      The wisdom of God that knows what is best for us.

·      The power of God that can accomplish it.

 

In His teaching from the mountain, Jesus provided how we must approach God and the right attitude when we pray:

 

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!  Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:7-12 NKJ

 

Three important keywords to consider in this bible text, namely, ask, seek, and knock. Each of them represents an impact as far as God’s answers are concerned. Lawrence O. Richards, a theologian, shared this wonderful insight, “Jesus describes prayer as asking, seeking, and knocking. “Ask” is the act of prayer in its simplest form. “Seek” conveys intensity, and “earnest sincerity.” And “knock” pictures persistence. We knock on the door of heaven and keep on knocking!”Knowing these three components give us the necessary edge when we pray, including assurance of God’s response according to His sovereignty. 

 

What was Jesus talking about when He taught this prayer concept?  When people pray, God is at work. Understanding God’s character and sovereignty are crucial to the prayer equation. What then is needed? Jim Cymbala shared, “Persistent calling upon the name of the Lord breaks through every stronghold of the devil, for nothing is impossible with God.” Therefore, giving up is never an option. Praying with knowledge about who God becomes advantageous to us because God intends for everyone who prays accordingly, receives a definite and timely answer. 

 

When we pray, we seek God Himself! The Psalmists encouraged, “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” (Psalm 105:4). Contrary to what many think, God is not hiding from anyone. He is longing for a persistent prayer anchored in faith in His power. 

Samson, blinded by his enemies, prayed because he realized God is the only source of His strength: Then Samson called to the Lord and said, “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me just this time, O God, that I may at once be avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes” (Judges 16:28). God answered Samson’s prayer and gave him strength for the last time and died with his enemies. 

 

There were situations that God declined a prayer. When this happens, God is exercising His prerogative according to His sovereignty. After receiving judgement from God, David prayed for his firstborn son’s healing and God said no: 

 

David, therefore, begged God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night on the ground. The elders of his house arose beside him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, and he didn’t eat bread with them. On the seventh day, the child died  (2 Samuel 12:16-18). 

 

However, David didn’t receive a favourable reply and lost his child: 

And he said, “While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who can tell whether the LORD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’  But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me” (2 Samuel 12:22-23). 

 

David understood and accepted God’s judgment on his situation. 

 

Is prayer a one-way monologue or a dialogue with God? These two examples showed the dynamics that occur when we pray. No matter what we receive from our prayers, positive or negative replies, let’s trust God at all times. He knows best!

 

Let’s talk again!

Marriage is Designed as Companionship

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Debra Evans of Focus on the Family shared this insight about companionship, “Given the dictionary's definition of a companion as "somebody who accompanies you, spends time with you, or is a friend," do you currently see you and your husband companionably drawing together or separately drifting apart.” 

What does the Scripture say about it: “Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18a, ESV). God recognized the simple fact of Adam’s need for companionship at the time. While every animal God created a pair, Adam’s pair is not found yet. Genesis 2:20 wrote, “The man gave names to all the livestock, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam, no suitable helper was found.” However, it is not a permanent situation for Adam because God‘s plan was at work, “I will make a helper suitable for him” (Genesis 2:18b). The fact that God created the woman as a helper points to her supportive role to her husband. 

From this beginning, the various cycles in marriage as husband and wife are discovered perpetually as God designed it. 1. Wedding Day: It is a ceremony for the beginning of marriage as husband and wife. No longer two people but as one. 2. Family: Having children creates a family, becoming parents (father and mother) in addition to taking care of husband and wife status. 3. Empty Nest: After some time, children leave home while the relationship of the husband and wife remains. 4. Grandparents: They become grandparents (if children get married) in addition to being husband and wife. 

 From the above scenarios, marriage continues until the last day of each other’s breath. In the meantime, let me share two ways of securing companionship in marriage daily. Firstly, companionship in marriage is primarily strengthening friendship throughout the marriage years. C.S. Lewis said of friendship: "It is when we are doing things together that friendship springs up — painting, sailing ships, praying, philosophizing, and fighting shoulder to shoulder. Friends look in the same direction." How do we strengthen friendship in marriage? Become appreciative of your spouse whenever possible. Another is a constant encouragement and boosting one another’s capability. Remember that success is achieved mutually. Finally, avoiding power struggles and wresting control from the other. 

Companionship in marriage is about honouring one another throughout the marriage years. James Dobson provided this insight about how honouring one another works, “Don't marry the person you think you can live with; marry only the individual you think you can't live without.” Here’s how the Scriptures addresses this application: Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honour to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered (1 Peter 3:7). How does honouring one another works? It begins by cherishing what your spouse values before and during the marriage. Another valuable trait is discovering your mate's "love language" and learning to speak it. Finally, it is about maintaining a lifelong commitment wholeheartedly and filled with affection for one another. Someone said, “You invest in whatever it is that you esteem.” Also, the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word wholehearted as "marked by complete earnest commitment." 

Proverbs 18:22 declared a powerful truth to live by: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favour from the LORD.” 

Marriage is not just about the number of years accumulated together. Most importantly, it is how by being together, overcame various challenges and achieved success with God’s help and guidance. When God is involved, anything is possible, and everything is achievable. 

Let’s talk again!

From Heaven to the Manger: God the Creator Born as a Baby

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Somebody shared this wonderful insight: Jesus became flesh on His own volition and lived among us! And without ceasing to be God, He became a human being like us. This is the main reason whenever we display a manger. 

The apostle Paul explained it this way: Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men (Philippians 2:5-7. NKJ). In a nutshell, Jesus, the Creator of everything, came as a baby, born in a poor stable and grew up in a poor carpenter’s home. From a spiritual standpoint, Jesus came as a poor man to make us rich: For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9, NKJ).

Why does the manger's story matter now? Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, Micah accurately prophesied Christ’s birthplace and His preexistence: But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient times (Micah 5:2).

Let me share specific reasons why the manger matter today. Primarily, the manger matters because of the revelation of Jesus and His incarnation. John Stott shared, “If Jesus was not who the apostles say he was, then he could not of done what they say he did. The incarnation is indispensable to the atonement.” Read the lyrics of “God rest ye merry, gentlemen” and you’ll know what I mean: 

God rest ye merry, gentlemen

Let nothing you dismay

Remember Christ our Savior

Was born on Christmas Day

To save us all from Satan’s power

When we were gone astray

O tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

O tidings of comfort and joy

Next, the manger matters because this is how we understood the revelation of God’s plan of salvation for humanity. Jesus became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world as John the Baptist proclaimed (John. 1:29). Most importantly, becoming part of humanity is an unavoidable circumstance in fulfilling God’s plan of salvation. This message of hope was fulfilled in the birth of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom as you read the lyrics of “Hark! The herald angels sing” and you’ll understand what I mean:

Hark! The herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!

Hail the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings

Ris'n with healing in His wings

Mild He lays His glory by

Born that man no more may die

Born to raise the sons of earth

Born to give them second birth

Hark! The herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn King!"

Finally, the manger where Jesus laid as a baby in the manger became an indicator of His nature, as the God-Man and His purpose, as the Messiah of Humanity. Rather than coming to earth with pomp and majestic arrival, the King of Creation and God's own Son chose His birth among the animals in a stable, having lowly shepherds from the fields, as His first visitors. However, this humble God-Man would grow up to one day sacrificing His life on a cross for sinners, rise again, and then return to His Father's side in power and glory. Thus, from a woman’s womb and a manger, the story of God’s salvation started. The story began in Genesis, fulfilled in a manger and God’s plan of salvation through the birth of Jesus unfolded. From the manger, Jesus started His journey towards the Cross of Calvary. Billy Graham summarized it wonderfully: The very purpose of Christ's coming into the world was that He might offer up His life as a sacrifice for the sins of men. He came to die. This is the heart of Christmas.

Let’s talk again!

The Cost of Following Jesus

In pursuing spiritual growth as a Christian believer, it involves navigating various challenges along the way. Here’s how Jesus simply put it: And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me (Luke 9:23). There’s a cost in following Jesus and we must learn to count the cost in doing so. Somebody described what is and what is not about the cost of following Jesus:

Counting the cost means recognizing and agreeing to some terms first. In following Christ, we cannot simply follow our inclinations. We cannot follow Him and the world's way at the same time (Matthew 7:13-14). Following Him may mean we lose relationships, dreams, material things, or even our lives.

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Allow me to expound on what Jesus meant and the prerequisites involved in following Him. When Jesus spoke then (“And he said to all…”), He still speaks today with the same challenging message of choosing Him above anyone and anything in this world. When an individual hears and heeds the calling of Jesus, it is a wholehearted decision with an unwavering determination of choosing Jesus above oneself (“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself…”). The apostle Paul illustrated it similar to an athlete: 

Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. ~1 Corinthians 9:26-27

Next, it is a resolution made daily (“…take up his cross daily and…”) with a clear view of what’s ahead and a willingness of forsaking distractions in following Christ. The apostle Paul shared his heart on this matter: I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me (Galatians 2:20). Finally, there’s a focused destination ahead with Jesus (“…follow me”). The apostle John shared a wonderful picture of this decision: “And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming” (1 John 2:28).

Even if more than two thousand years since Jesus came, the prerequisites of discipleship never change today. In attaining victory, we need to look to Jesus! Jonathan Parnell[1] shared, “Looking to Jesus means relying on him. The word translated “looking” has the idea of zeroing our gaze on something with confidence. Looking to Jesus means looking to him alone. Looking to Jesus means he is our reward.” In knowing what’s ahead, we need to listen to Jesus! J. G. Machen, an American Presbyterian New Testament scholar and educator in the early 20th century (Wikipedia) shared, “The more we know of God, the more unreservedly we will trust him; the greater our progress in theology, the simpler and more childlike will be our faith.” 

Lastly, in discovering the lessons of spiritual growth. We need to learn about Jesus! Jesus Himself encouraged us, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me” (Matthew 11:29a). I found this enlightening insight from Bits & Pieces (April 2, 1992): “Learning usually passes through three stages. In the beginning you learn the right answers. In the second state you learn the right questions. In the third and final stage, you learn which questions are worth asking.”

In summary, while salvation is free, Dietrich Bonhoeffer gave this stark reminder “but discipleship will cost you your life.” When all is said and done, the prize of following Jesus outweighs the price of following Jesus because He is worth following. He gave His life and died for us and that’s more than enough reason for giving our life to Him. After knowing this truth, what’s holding you back in following Him?

Let’s talk again!

  [1] http://fighterverses.com/blog-post/what-does-it-mean-to-look-to-jesus/