A Wise Steward

Background Scripture: Genesis 41
Lesson Scripture: Genesis 41:29–36, 46–49, 53–54

Introduction

A steward is one who manages another’s property or financial affairs. Psalm 24:1 declares, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him” (NLT). Considering this Scripture, as well as others, we must conclude that we are only stewards of our possessions, even of those things we like to think of as our own.

God gives every person some gifts and talents to be used for His benefit and glory. The Word instructs us to use these gifts to help each other as good stewards of God grace. As we exercise these talents, some will be asked to serve in the house of God. Those who are elected to serve must accept their responsibility in the spirit of a servant, not as a lord who possesses his role (Heb. 5:4).

When we consider earthly things, social activities, or spiritual responsibilities, we must always remember that God is supreme, and we are but servants, or stewards. “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?” (Luke 12:42).

Key Verse

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God (1 Pet. 4:10).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

The lesson text is only an abbreviated part of Joseph’s life story. The whole story is scattered through twenty chapters of Genesis (chapters 30 to 50). Although Joseph was in fact very much a human being, and he might not have made the best choice in all situations, yet the thread of his consistent faithfulness is evident in his natural pursuits of life as well as in his spiritual integrity. He obviously was very talented, but his sterling character and trust in God is really what set him apart, especially after his unjust suffering.

Verse 33 of the lesson text is worthy of special notice. Joseph told Pharaoh what kind of a man to look for as a steward over the land because of the coming drought and its challenges. He said to look for a man who was discreet and wise.

The Scriptures do not say whether or not Joseph had any expectation that he would be the one called to be that discreet and wise steward. It is apparent though that when the call came and he was appointed, he humbly accepted the responsibility. Joseph immediately went to work, overseeing the task of what he knew must be done.

It is significant that Pharaoh trusted Joseph completely with the charge he gave him. It is quite likely that Pharaoh, like Potiphar, also saw that “the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper” (Gen. 39:3).

Joseph was only thirty years old at this time. In spite of his youthfulness, he retained his good spirit and integrity as he trusted and obeyed God. By all appearance he was, in fact, a wise and discreet steward.

As a steward under Pharaoh, Joseph also became a leader of stewards under him. His qualifications of being a good, responsible steward made him a good leader of his subordinates. As we consider the whole account of Joseph’s life, we can safely conclude that he was indeed an outstanding example of a wise steward.

Practical Truths for Today

Although “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof” (Ps. 24:1), in the natural sense most people consider themselves owners of earthly possessions—some own more, some less. For this reason we find much teaching in the Bible about how we are to conduct ourselves with our money and belongings. It is easy to forget that all these things are only for our earthly journey and will be useless to us after our allotted time is gone. But we can lay up treasures in heaven with these very things, depending on how we use them.

Though many people justify their material drive, placing it into the category of good stewardship, Jesus commanded us to not lay up treasures upon the earth. To use the world’s goods as a means of laying up treasures in heaven, we must have our priorities in godly order. Having our values properly placed brings the conviction that the most valuable part of our existence is the salvation of the soul. Love for the souls of men is at the heart of being a godly steward. With this love settled in our hearts, we will use our earthly possessions in such a way that we further the work of God rather than investing them to increase our assets. We will always seek to give others the advantage for the Lord’s sake, whether in business dealings, almsgiving, or social relationships. “Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness” (Luke 16:9).

As good stewards of our lives, we must not take on too many earthly cares and possessions; the deceitfulness of riches will make us unfruitful in the most important things of life (Mark 4:19). If things go well, we will be tempted to take the credit for our success. The Israelites were forewarned that when they prospered in Canaan, they should beware lest they forgot that it was the Lord who had brought them out of Egypt into the land of plenty (Deut. 6:10–12).

Good stewardship is not only required of owners of real estate and businesses. It applies equally to renters, employees, and everyone else. It is important how we use and care for that which belongs to someone else. Christian employees should be careful and diligent and not be known as slothful. “Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things” (Titus 2:9–10). “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Col. 3:23). Taking this approach can avert many problems between employers and employees.

Honesty in Christian financial stewardship will preclude greed and will include generosity in dealing. A good steward will want to pay attention to Philippians 2:4, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

Missionaries, humanitarian workers, and others in similar positions are often responsible as stewards of church funds. Those who labor in activities that are supported by charitable funding are clearly in the role of a steward. They should exercise good financial management and not waver in their fidelity to their supervisors.

In Proverbs 3:5–6 we find concise instructions that apply to stewardship. It reads, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Though Titus 1:7–9 lists the necessary qualifications for a bishop, all sincere Christians should aspire, by the grace of God, to live according to this list of credentials. One of them is that he must be “blameless, as the steward of God.” The gifts or endowments a person has are really not his own; they belong to the Lord, and they must be employed to promote His glory.

Illustration

Nebuchadnezzar serves as an example of a man who thought he owned his vast holdings and was thereby in control. He took credit for his accomplishments, but after his experience of dwelling with the beasts of the field he said, “I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion” (Dan. 4:34). He then understood that God was sovereign.

In Matthew 25:14–29 we find the story of a man making preparations to travel to a far country. He turned his goods over to his servants, leaving them with a differing degree of stewardship responsibility. Each one was responsible according to his gift, and those who were faithful to do what they could were commended. One buried his talent. He did not use it erroneously; he just neglected to use it. We must not neglect the gifts God has given us. Neglect brings consequences we will regret.

An example of selfish stewardship is found in Luke 20:9–16. In this case the owner of a vineyard turned over its management to his stewards. They made a big mistake when they took control according to their own selfish thinking and endeavored to usurp ownership by violence.

Job serves as a positive example of one who forthrightly acknowledged that the Lord was in control. He prominently stated that “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). In this he demonstrated the proper attitude of a steward.

Questions

1. Explain the key verse in practical terms of everyday living.
2. What are ways to teach young Christians to accept responsibility?
3. To what degree are we responsible as stewards of the environment?
4. How does stewardship apply to charitable giving?
5. In what ways does this lesson apply to household management?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).