God's Economy #5: Stewardship

A steward manages property for the owner's best interest, our Lord who owns all things. Not only does He own all things, but He allots his property/wealth to us in good and wise portions—some he has made wealthy, others he has gifted with less.

To learn what it means to be a good steward, we examine the parable of the unjust steward.

The unjust steward's crime is not how he quickly and slyly renegotiated the debt of the master's creditors but that he had wasted his master's goods. To our surprise, the master commends the steward, not for his waste (as he will still lose his job), but for how he has "made friends" to prepare for his uncertain future.

Then Jesus makes application to us: we are also to make friends—rightly using the resources we have—time, talents, strength, and especially money—to further the Gospel.

Furthermore, Jesus promises that if we are faithful, he will promote us and grant us more responsibility with the ultimate goal of hearing our Lord say, "well done thou good and faithful servant."