How should we respond when confronted about our stewardship of God's blessings? Setting the Scene: Isaiah’s Unannounced Audit “Then Isaiah the prophet came to King Hezekiah and asked, ‘What did these men say, and from where did they come to you?’ ‘They came from a distant land,’ Hezekiah replied, ‘from Babylon.’” (2 Kings 20:14) Hezekiah had just finished proudly showcasing every treasure in his storehouse (v. 13). Isaiah’s simple questions exposed a heart issue: Who really owned the riches, and why had Hezekiah handled them so casually? Hezekiah’s Mixed Response: Honest but Not Humble • Transparency: He answered Isaiah directly. • Blind spot: He gave facts without admitting fault or seeking God’s counsel. • Self-focus: Later, when judgment was pronounced, he accepted it because trouble would come “after my lifetime” (v. 19)—revealing a short-sighted view of stewardship. Why Confrontation Matters • Accountability keeps us from drifting (Proverbs 27:17). • It tests whether we see possessions as ours or God’s (Psalm 24:1). • It refines motives, pushing us toward faithful service (1 Corinthians 4:2). Biblical Guidelines for Responding Well 1. Listen before you speak – “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19). 2. Answer truthfully – “Lying lips are detestable to the LORD” (Proverbs 12:22). 3. Accept responsibility – “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much” (Luke 16:10). 4. Seek correction and repent if needed – David’s example after Nathan’s rebuke (2 Samuel 12:13). 5. Redirect glory to God – “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). 6. Commit to visible integrity – “We are taking great care to do what is right… in the eyes of the Lord and men” (2 Corinthians 8:21). Practical Steps When Someone Questions Your Stewardship • Pause and pray internally—invite the Spirit to search your heart (Psalm 139:23-24). • Thank the person for caring enough to speak. • Lay out the facts plainly; no spin, no excuses. • Ask, “What have I missed?” and be ready to learn. • If wrong, confess and make restitution. • Establish safeguards: budgets, accountability partners, written plans. • Keep an eternal perspective—remember future generations who will be affected by today’s choices. Encouragement from Other Scriptures • 1 Peter 4:10: “As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.” • Matthew 25:21: “Well done, good and faithful servant! … You have been faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” • Proverbs 27:23: “Be sure to know the state of your flocks.” – stay informed, not indifferent. A Quick Stewardship Checklist □ Time – Am I managing it for kingdom purposes? □ Talents – Are my abilities deployed for service, not self-promotion? □ Treasures – Do my spending and giving reflect ownership by God? □ Truth – When questioned, do I answer with humility and accuracy? □ Trust – Do I rest in God’s sovereignty over the outcomes? When confrontation comes, Scripture calls us to answer honestly, examine ourselves humbly, and realign quickly with God’s purposes. That response turns a potentially embarrassing audit into a fresh opportunity for faithful stewardship. |
    |