STEWARDSHIP August 24, 2020

The Word we read today is something that I believe leaders and those in positions of authority and power should study. The fourth chapter of the Apostle Paul’s first epistle to the Corinthians has some of the clearest and most profound instructions and criteria on how leadership should be done. 

 

But the apostle does not call it by this word, instead using the word ‘Stewardship’.  In his case with Apollos, though they be one of the most powerful and influential earliest church leaders, he calls themselves “stewards of the mysteries of GOD.” (verse 1)

 

In like manner, in our world today, leaders can be stewards of many different things.  For example, there are “stewards” of a business and its affairs, government and its funds, people and their growth and development, children and their education, family and its relationships.

 

And here are some of the things that we might ponder upon, when we consider that leadership and management of people and their affairs must be viewed in the light of stewardship:

1. The apostle said that “…it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (verse 2) 

2.  Leaders should not be judged for their worldly qualifications, but for their maturity, their integrity—especially of the heart—and particularly, their relationship with GOD. (verses 3 to 5)

3.  Leaders should not think themselves higher than others, nor should they be placed in pedestals, but that like those they oversee, they are all equally accountable to GOD for their actions, for their gifts and talents, for their work and ministry. (verses 6 and 7)

4.  Leaders should not enrich themselves first, but rather take care that the people they are responsible for are filled, educated, learned, and growing. (verse 8)

5.  Leaders are the living example to others how to properly live and do things rightly.  Though they may suffer for it, it is not a condemnation to others, but so that people will be warned, and be encouraged to also hold on, persevere and accomplish their goals, and let GOD’s will be done in their lives. (verses 9 to 14)

6.  Leaders and their members alike only have one Heavenly Father, and one Lord Jesus Christ, whom leaders must emulate, as members likewise follow them. (verses 15 and 16)

7.  Leaders work as a team to support each other, exhort and encourage their members and reinforce their teachings and admonitions. (verse 17)

8.  Leaders must also practice discipline in love and meekness to those they are responsible for, in order that members will not be lifted up in pride, or wallow in complacency and apathy.  (verses 18, 19 and 21)

9.  And leaders must govern not with words or rousing speeches, but with the power of GOD, since this is the spirit that establishes His kingdom, as it is in heaven and as He makes His will come true on earth (verse 20).

 

These are indeed tall orders, for the world today has many leaders, influencers, so-called “idols” and popular persons that many others would like to copy and follow.  But one must have a discerning heart and a thinking mind, because not all of them will lead the flock to the life that is blessed and better.  As people who call ourselves by GOD’s Name, we should make careful choices daily and think well whom we follow and patronize.  The people we admire, those whose thoughts and principles we emulate, and those whose influence we let in to our lives should be carefully examined if they live the examples and criteria our Lord and His Apostle has declared as true stewardship, the kind that has eternal and lasting impact.