Good Steward

I don’t know about you, but when I get up in the morning I like to have something to go do.  I like having someplace to be.  I like having people to see.  That sense of purpose comes from a desire to work and that desire is put inside of us by God.

The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. (Genesis 2:15 NIV)

I hear people complain about their work situations all the time.  Sometimes they complain about their job, their boss, or their hours.  Sometimes they complain about not having a job, but wanting one.  Sometimes they complain about not having the stuff that they want, but they don’t look for a job.  Sometimes, they just complain…

For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat." (2 Thessalonians 3:7-10 NIV)

Work, however, was not something to complain about.  In fact, work existed before Adam ate the forbidden fruit and had work made more difficult for him (and his descendents).  Work is supposed to give us a sense of fulfillment, a sense of purpose, and a reason to get up in the morning.  Before Adam sinned, God still gave Adam work.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21 NIV)

The enemy not only works to get us to hate work.  He also works to get us idolize work.  We work long hours.  We work for the next promotion.  We work for more money, more stuff, and, well, just more.  When we do, we forget the fact that we do not really own any of that stuff.  It still belongs to God.  Not only that, we can’t take it with us.  The only thing that we can take with us is our relationship with God.

Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. (Ephesians 4:28 NIV)

That’s why every economic system sanctioned by God in the Bible includes some level of caring for those in need.  All of us are supposed to work, but bad things happen to people to stop that.  When they do, the ones who are working have an additional purpose: help those in need.  Good stewardship simply means God-management.  We manage God’s resources for God’s purposes while we are here.

How about you?  Do you like to work?  Do you like it too much?  Do you see it as a part of your walk together with God?  Are you a good steward?