Stewardship

If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 NKJV

The story's told of a guy who came to church looking very sad. 'What's up?' his pastor asked. 'Well, two weeks ago my uncle died and left me $75,000. Then a week ago my aunt died and left me $50,000.' His pastor asked, 'Then why are you so sad?' The guy answered, 'Because nobody died this week.' Cute story; only one problem, the Bible says this man ought to 'labour, working with his hands… that he may have something to give him who has need' (Ephesians 4:28 NKJV).

The first job God gave Adam was to take care of the garden and be productive. Even in a perfect environment, Adam had work to do. If you want to be a good steward, taking your master's resources and increasing them, you must engage in productive work. To have 'something to give,' you need to have 'something left over.' That's what's wrong with gambling; you can't substitute luck for labour. Now, you're not supposed to help people who don't want to work.

Tony Evans writes: 'Instead of wondering when he is going to get a slice of a handout pie, a good steward is busy baking pies, enjoying the results, and sharing what he has with others.' Some people question investing because it doesn't fit their idea of work. No, God told Adam to plant seeds. Planting seed is an investment made in anticipation of a harvest. Ever since the fall we've been inventing ways to avoid honest, productive labour. Your job is part of your stewardship.

Are you performing it as if God were your employer? He is!

Note: The article above is taken from daily devotion email from The Word for Today brought by TheVine in association with The Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc, New Zealand and UCB International Ltd