“And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath” – Luke 12:42-44.
Introduction:
Although are text before us traditionally been adapted to ministers, who are the stewards in God’s house with the responsibility of serving God’s children their portion of meat (which is the Words of Life from our most Holy Writ), I believe as well our text this evening is a portrait of the office of a “Steward.”
Moreover, I also believe our text pertains to all who bare the name of Jesus Christ through confession of their sins. For Romans 10:9 declares, “That if though shall confess with though mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shall be saved.”
For Peter inquired of the Lord, “Who speakest thou this parable unto, us or unto all (concerning the “Expectant Steward”)?” The substance of what Jesus saith in answer to Peter, found in our text is, Peter, I speak it to all. This is a prophetic admonition that we must be careful and watchful when we carry out our responsibilities as believers.
As I inquired then of the Lord for a subject to minister to His beloved stewards who are witnesses to His Gospel, who face conflicts and oppositions that challenges them to abnegate their responsibility as prepared purposeful people who awaits for His coming, God responded by speaking in my spirit to use the subject matter “Chosen To Be Blessed.”
Look at your neighbor and say, neighbor oh neighbor you have been “Chosen To Be Blessed.” Now Say to yourself, I’ve been “Chosen To Be Blessed.”
Regardless of conflicts, criticism, or crises, you have been Chosen of God for Him to ultimately bless you. However, it is contingent upon your conduct, attitude, and commitment that will determine your outcome and reward. This is why Jesus said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward.” Jesus is posing a question for those who are believers to introspectively examine themselves.
For in our text, that faithful steward pictures the genuine believer, who manages well the spiritual riches God has put in his care for the benefit of others. For God has invested gifts and talents in us for us to cultivate and use for our benefit and the benefit of others. However, there are opposing forces, which consist of our flesh (meaning our propensities), this world (meaning others opinion and views), and finally our archenemy (which is the devil) that attempts to distract and dissuade us from our responsibility and purpose as prosperous and prepared believers.
Therefore, we must have the lions of our understanding girded about with truth, sobriety, and hope, watching our behavior and attitude during the moments of adversity and challenges that are meant to make us and not break us.
Therefore, I believe these three essential qualities; character, attitude, and commitment will guarantee each steward or believer in achieving success and obtaining victory over every opposing force that faces them when they carry out their responsibility for the service of God.
Therefore, let me deal with our first essential quality, which is character.
Webster defines character as “the total quality of a person’s behavior.” Character is often thought of as honesty and integrity. By this commonly accepted definition, character is the practice of life, the way we live.
Next, I discovered character is a choice. We have a choice in how we live as well. Being deceitful, fraudulent, mischievous, selfish, and enticing to evil the Lord abhors and should not be named among us.
For as “Stewards,” we must be people of character. People who live the life we profess. For if, we are no longer credible, or trustworthy our message to others becomes “suspect.” How then can we be effective witnesses? Who would listen to us if we cannot be trusted? It is imperative to be “Stewards” who posses character.
Now to our second point or essential quality, which is concerning attitude.
For I believe the most significant decision one can make on a day-to-day basis is their choice of attitude. For it is more important than their past, their education, their success or failures, what other people think of them or say about them, their circumstances or position. For your attitude will always determine altitude spiritually as a “Steward.”
Thou tempted and provoked by those who dislike your ideas or leadership, don’t respond negatively. Etc.
Finally, my last point is commitment.
The first key to commitment is a loyalty and faithfulness that goes beyond all personal feelings. The dictionary defines loyalty as being “faithful to a prince or a superior, true to a plighted (vowed or sworn to) faith, duty, loyal, true to one’s allegiance,” or as being faithful.
These definitions show the heart of a wise “Steward.” For 1 Corinthians 4:2 says, “Moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” The most essential quality of a steward or child of God is obedient loyalty.
