What other scriptures emphasize the importance of stewardship and resource management? The King’s Orchard Manager: A Snapshot from 1 Chronicles 27:28 “Over the olive and sycamore trees in the foothills was Baal-hanan the Gederite, and Joash was in charge of the stores of olive oil.” (1 Chronicles 27:28) • David’s administration assigned skilled men to oversee orchards and oil supplies. • The verse shows that God values orderly oversight of land, crops, and inventories. • It invites us to trace how Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, treats every resource as a trust from the Lord. Stewardship Woven into Creation • Genesis 1:28 – “Be fruitful and multiply… fill the earth and subdue it; rule over” every creature. Dominion is not exploitation but accountable management. • Genesis 2:15 – “The LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.” Work, care, and preservation begin before the Fall. • Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” Ownership is God’s; stewardship is ours. • Deuteronomy 8:18 – “Remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth.” Skill, strength, and opportunity are divine gifts to be used responsibly. Wisdom Literature: Practical Counsel for Managing Assets • Proverbs 27:23–24 – “Be sure to know the state of your flocks… for riches are not forever.” Diligent tracking prevents loss. • Proverbs 21:5 – “The plans of the diligent lead only to plenty.” Careful planning is God-honoring. • Proverbs 3:9–10 – “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits… then your barns will be filled.” Stewardship begins with giving back to God. • Proverbs 6:6–8 – “Go to the ant… gather in summer.” Industry and foresight guard against shortage. • Ecclesiastes 11:2 – “Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight.” Diversification and risk management are ancient biblical ideas. Christ’s Teaching: Faithfulness with God’s Property • Matthew 25:14-30 – Parable of the Talents: resources vary, accountability is universal, reward follows faithfulness. • Luke 16:10-12 – “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much… and if you have not been faithful with what belongs to someone else, who will give you what is your own?” Stewardship now prepares us for greater trust later. • John 6:12 – After feeding the five thousand, Jesus said, “Gather the pieces that are left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” Even miraculous abundance is not a license to squander. Apostolic Voices: Stewardship in the Early Church • 1 Corinthians 4:2 – “Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” Character counts as much as competence. • 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 – “God loves a cheerful giver… God is able to make all grace abound to you.” Generosity and reliance on God go hand in hand. • Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” Every task is sacred when done for Christ. • Ephesians 5:15-16 – “Pay careful attention… redeeming the time.” Time management is spiritual stewardship. • 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.” Abilities and opportunities are resources to invest in people. Core Principles for Today • God owns everything; we manage on His behalf (Psalm 24:1). • Stewardship covers land, money, possessions, abilities, and time (Genesis 2:15; Ephesians 5:16). • Diligence, planning, and record-keeping are expressions of faith (Proverbs 27:23; 21:5). • Giving the first and best back to the Lord acknowledges His ownership (Proverbs 3:9-10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8). • Waste is inconsistent with discipleship (John 6:12). • Faithfulness in small responsibilities positions us for larger ones (Luke 16:10; Matthew 25:21). • All stewardship is ultimately evaluated by God, and reward is certain for the faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2; Matthew 25:23). |
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