Introductory Thoughts
A steward has the responsibility for properly caring for the possessions of another. In this capacity, he does not determine what is proper or improper; rather, the master of the house sets the standards of care for his possessions. In the parable beginning in Luke 16:1, a certain rich man (the master of the house) accused his steward of wasting his goods. The steward was told to give an account of his stewardship knowing that his irresponsible actions could soon end his stewardship. The Bible identifies the steward as “unjust” because of his unfaithfulness with the possessions of the master. The steward was not unjust because he lacked skill, but because he was not faithful.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Joash, king of Judah, gave orders to the priests and Levites to collect money to repair the temple. These men were unfaithful and had to be rebuked by the king. He took their responsibility away from them and devised a new plan (2 Chronicles 24:4-10).
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(For everyone): One day every believer is going to be called upon to give an account of his stewardship. What kind of a steward have you been? Have you taken care of the things that God has placed within the scope of your supervision?
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The unjust steward did not lack wisdom (Luke 16:8). How was his wisdom overshadowed by his lack of faithfulness?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to remind you that you will soon give an account of your stewardship.
- Ask God to help you to be a faithful and submissive steward.
Song
TAKE MY LIFE, AND LET IT BE
