How can we apply the principle of stewardship from Luke 16:11? The Stewardship Principle in Luke 16:11 “So if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will entrust you with true riches?” Key Truths in One Sentence God observes how we handle every material resource and uses that faithfulness as a gateway to greater, eternal responsibilities. Why Stewardship Matters • Everything belongs to God: “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). • We manage, not own: “Who am I... that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You” (1 Chronicles 29:14). • Faithfulness is required: “Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Colossians 4:2). Areas Where Luke 16:11 Speaks Directly 1. Money—paying bills, giving, saving, investing. 2. Time—how hours are scheduled to honor God and serve others. 3. Talents—skills, education, spiritual gifts deployed for kingdom purposes. 4. Influence—relationships, platforms, and leadership opportunities. 5. Truth—handling Scripture accurately and sharing the gospel (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:4). Practical Ways to Apply the Verse • Budget on Purpose – Track income and expenses. – Allocate first to the Lord: “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your harvest” (Proverbs 3:9). • Give Generously and Regularly – Set a percentage as a starting point; grow beyond it as God prospers you (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). – Support local church, missions, and the needy (Acts 4:34-35). • Guard Against Greed – Remember Jesus’ warning: “Watch out! Be on your guard against every form of greed” (Luke 12:15). – Practice contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-8). • Invest Wisely for Eternal Impact – The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) commends productive stewardship. – Evaluate opportunities by asking, “Will this decision advance God’s purposes?” • Cultivate Accountability – Share financial and life goals with a mature believer. – Welcome correction; “plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). • Serve Faithfully in Small Things – “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much” (Luke 16:10). – Volunteer, mentor, take humble tasks—God notices. • Redeem the Clock – “Make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16). – Schedule daily prayer and Bible intake first; let other activities fit around them. • Steward Your Body – Treat health as kingdom capital (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). – Rest, exercise, and eat well so you’re fit for service. • Tell the Story Well – Share testimonies of God’s provision to encourage others (Psalm 66:16). – Teach children early: every dollar, toy, and talent is on loan from God. Living with “True Riches” in View • Eternal rewards outweigh temporary comforts (2 Colossians 4:18). • Faithful stewardship today positions you for greater kingdom assignments—both now and in the age to come (Luke 19:17). Hold resources with open hands, manage them with diligence and integrity, and watch the Lord entrust you with the “true riches” that last forever. |
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