Acting Like a Trusted Manager
On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. (I Corinthians 16:2)
As godly servants, we’re called to act like trusted managers—handling God’s resources with faithful, systematic stewardship that honors Him first.
Today’s text outlines principles for stewardship and giving. Faithful management of our offering is consistent (first day of every week), personal (each of you), systematic (put aside, store), and proportional (as he may prosper); as an extension of our worship. Faithful stewards understand that giving to God is just taking our hands off what is already His. Giving is not God’s way of raising money, it is His way of raising us to trust, surrender, and love Him. He judges what we give by what we keep.
Estimates indicate that about 15% of Jesus’ recorded words involved money or possessions and many of the parables address money, wealth, or stewardship. In Luke, Jesus said, Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. [But here is the caveat], the measure we use, is the measure we receive. (Luke 6:38). Solomon says it this way, One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly but comes to poverty. (Proverbs 11:24)
Stewardship and giving have always been a matter of the heart. Find what a man treasures, and you will find his heart. We cannot love both God and money.
Reflection:
- How consistently and systematically do I set aside for God’s work?
- Do I prioritize God’s portion first in my budget and calendar, or does He receive what’s left?
Prayer:
Our Holy Father, thank you for the call to be faithful stewards in Your Kingdom. Help us to realize that Your blessings flow through us to others. Give us discipline to set aside a weekly offering proportionate to our blessings. Increase our faith to give consistently, especially in times of uncertainty and doubt, knowing that Your promise of provision never fails. May our giving demonstrate our faith and love for You and Your people. In Jesus’ name, amen.