As we reflect on growing in the knowledge of God as stewards of earthly riches, we need to start by asking ourselves this question: Why should we care about knowing God?
The knowledge of God accomplishes three things in our lives as believers:
- It establishes the moral authority and inspiration in our life.
- It results in purposeful living.
- It enlightens us as to what God has given to us.
More importantly, the knowledge of God puts us in position to experience the fullness of God in our lives “…and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:19)
The knowledge of God is found in experiencing a loving and secure relationship that is not dependent on our acceptability, but it is based on God’s grace and mercy. This relationship will prepare us for whatever comes our way. With this knowledge, we will be able to not only persevere during difficult times, but also rejoice in good times. Growing in grace includes developing a deeper understanding of the scope of what God personally does for us.
While pursuing the knowledge of God may involve connection and commitment, the driving force behind it is relationship. If we want to know…be familiar with…understand who someone is, we need to spend time with them.
How do we spend our time with God? How much time do we spend with Him? Is it a quick “snatch-a-verse,” punctuated with an even quicker prayer? God says, “Draw near to me and I will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)
“As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God.” (Psalm 42:1-2) The words, “longs for,” is translated in the King James Version as pants, meaning to long for or to cry. Do we desire to abide and dwell with God? Do we pant for God?
What does it mean to steward earthly riches well?
This stewardship extends beyond mere financial management; it encompasses a broader mandate to steward the earth and its resources, reflecting our role as caretakers of God’s creation.
Christians are called to allocate funds wisely to further God’s work, ensuring that our giving supports the spread of the Gospel!
“All we own and all what is in the world belongs to God.” (Psalm 24:1) “And he said also unto his disciples, ‘There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.’” (Luke 16:1-2)
The rich man in this parable is God and we are His stewards. He is the owner. Do you hold to material things as the owner? Most people think they are the owners because they work hard, have huge bank accounts, and they believe that what they have is coming from their efforts.
However, it’s the opposite. “It is God who gives us strength and power to create or make wealth.” (Deuteronomy 8:17-18) We are guilty if we use what we possess contrary to the will of God. In Luke 16:2 where God said, “Prepare a full account of your stewardship” shows that at the end, God will require an account of our earthly riches.
Have you worked hard for selfish gains or with great responsibility and with care of what you have received from God? What would the world look like if we worked hard not for our own selfish gain, but for God’s mission?
God expects us to grow in His knowledge. This will help us to look at our riches with godly understanding. Because each of us shall give an account, we should then steward all earthly riches with excellence.
Reflection Questions:
- What points are standing out to you?
- What personal challenges are you understanding?
- What are your action points?