“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:10-11)
Our proper management of all things entrusted to us reflects our attitude towards the benefactor. When we view what we have as gifts from God, His Lordship over us will determine its use. It is not left to us to do as we please, but rather, we are compelled by His love abiding in our hearts to do those things that are pleasing to Him. Selfish ambition is akin to selfish gain, where it absorbs but very seldom releases anything. Even when something is released, the decision to do so is determined by the one who thinks of himself as being in control. When the self-willed authorize the disbursements of gifts, then it ceases from being God’s ministry to those who need personal ministry. Even when God gets an honorable mention, He is subjugated by the arrogance and pride of the one who sees himself as the source. This is a very delicate matter, particularly from the surface that the motive is not easily detected. There are false ministers as well as false prophets who are engaged in doing good deeds, yet the hidden agenda is to accomplish something other than the things that glorify God through Jesus Christ. A good steward must be faithful to God and committed to His Word.
Stewardship of gifts also has to do with the management of money, and money is a representation of our time, our talents, and our treasures. Money makes a good servant, as one writer said, but a poor master. Several Scripture speak of putting God first as well as prioritizing His work and mission. It is true; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matt 6:21). When people lack commitment to ministry as faithful stewards, it is just a matter of time before their interest starts waning away from which they were loosely connected. Loyalty to God and commitment to His ministry are not short-termed assignments that occur until a better offer comes along. True commitment requires finishing the assignment given by God to the faithful. When one abandons or is a deserter from the assignment given by God, he must show evidence that he has done what he was called to do, or he shakes the dust from his feet as a testimonial judgment against those who have rejected his ministry. Any other course speaks more of his character than the character of the ministry that he judges.
Paul says, let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. (1 Cor 4:1-3)
The mysteries of God are revealed through Christ’s interaction with His Church. His gifts and talents have been given for a purpose much greater than is realized in this present time. As we are faithful stewards, He reveals to us the mystery behind the seemingly simple gifts that we are allowed to manage.