Little Known Facts About Stewardship by Joseph Akinrinola

Our life is a gift and a privilege from God. And to every privilege comes a corresponding responsibility. Every aspect of our lives is, therefore, stewardship. That includes our body, time, energy, ministry, and resources. However, there are little known facts about stewardship that most believers do not know.

This scripture will come to bear if we understand true stewardship. “Moreover, it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2 NKJV)

The faithfulness in that portion of the scripture connotes we must be committed to God, whether or not we are physically rewarded. It means we go where he sent us, even when we dislike it or don’t know why. The faithfulness of a steward does not depend on his comfort or convenience, rather on the pleasure of his master.

A faithful person serves without being forced. Such people do their work with equal diligence, whether or not someone is watching. Whether serving in the restroom, kitchen, admin, or office, they serve with equal dedication. This set of people remains steadfast to other people’s jobs the way they handle theirs. Their commitment to money-generating assignment does not wane when it comes to God’s business. They are not motivated by praise or gain. Instead, the pleasure of their master.

The parable of the talent gives us a vivid illustration of those little-known facts about stewardship we often neglect. (Matthew 25:14-30)

1. A faithful steward takes initiative

Although the master of those servants did not tell them what to do with the resources he gave them, the first two servants decided on what to do. Whether in ministry or daily life, always think about how to make things and people better with the resources available to you.

2. Recognized the ownership. (Verses 20-22)

Your life and everything that comes with it does not belong to you.

The first two servants acknowledged they are not the owner of the resources at their disposal. The position you occupy and all achievement comes from God and belongs to him.

3. No competition in true stewardship

We would not fret, cheat, complain, or double-cross ourselves if we understand true stewardship. Though the amount given to the three servants differs, the first two servants were grateful for the opportunity, while the third servant felt he needed equal opportunities with others to make an impact. You don’t need to be like others to make an impact. God has given you all you need to profit. Use them wisely.

4. God rewards faithfulness and not only results. (Verses 20-22)

The world rewards results but God rewards faithfulness. The response of the master to the first two servants shows faithfulness is more important than the amount they turned. God distributed our ability differently, and he would not be expecting the same result from all. All he wants you and me to do is to be equally dedicated to the task he gave us, whether small or great.

5. God expects a return on his investment. (Verse 27)

The master would have somehow praised the servant who was given one talent if he had returned the money with interest from the banker. It means every sincere devotion and commitment will not go unnoticed by God. Jesus said, “And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:42 NKJV) A glass of water will receive a reward the same way a banquet will.

6. The Wrong perspective will affect our stewardship. (Verses 24-25)

Questioning the rationale behind the distribution of natural and spiritual gifts is the reason for conflict in the body of Christ. Everyone in ministry and life is important, depending on how you see yourself. A loosed or missing bolt can cause accidents or malfunction. The person at the church or event car park or the restroom is as important as the principal speaker or the pastor. The unprofitable servant in our text hinges on his failure on the uneven distribution of opportunity. He forgets the person with two talents was not also fairly treated, yet he delivered within his means.

7. Stewardship has a reward. (Verses 20-22,30)

Whatever we do or fail to do has its result. As we noticed in the parable, each servant reaped according to his or her commitment. Jesus assured Peter of both earthly and heavenly rewards for our commitment to him. (Matthew 19:27) This should motivate us to get serious with God and His business.

8. Profitability increases responsibility. (Verse 29)

All three servants had equal opportunity to maximize their profit margin, but only the first two explored the chance. Just as any entrepreneur will promote and add more responsibility to a result-producing staff, God will increase his grace on any Christian or minister doing well in his vineyard.

9. Time of accountability may come at an unexpected time.

With the surrounding event, the time of accountability may come sooner than we expected. I once wrote an article on the topic, not as a thief in the night. I said this because Jesus has given us all the signs that will herald his coming. We no longer need a soothsayer or prophet to tell us the end is with us already. As faithful stewards, we must get serious in the business of our father, so we shall not be caught unaware.

Ask yourself how you will reward a staff working for you if he is handling your business the way you do that of God or that of others.

I often put up with this question to our Sunday school workers. What will the Sunday school or our church look like if every worker is like me? This evaluation should inform how we live our lives and handle God’s business. We shall be Christ’s ambassador if we act on these little-known facts about stewardship.

I am Joseph, an author, blogger, and content writer from Nigeria. In the field of writing, I deliver unique, grammatically correct, and plagiarism-free content. Currently, I work with three online firms specializing in motivation, human capacity development, lifestyle, relationship, and spiritual writings.