Beggars, Diggers, Stewards

by Rob Campbell

www.cypresscreekchurch.com

In Luke 16:1-13, we see a beggar, a digger, and a steward.  A beggar’s motivation is survival.  He wants  to make it through another day.  A digger’s motivation is success.  He’s digging for gold.  He’s on an insatiable journey to “make it big” and “turn a deal.”  A steward’s motivation is significance.  She wants to leave behind a legacy.  She wants to invest in souls and the kingdom of God. 

The story teaches us that we must give an account to God for our stewardship.  Stewardship is much broader than how we manage and allocate money.  It also includes the management/allocation of our time, influence, expertise, abilities, and resources.  Speaking of resources, the use of one’s resources is a test of values, character, and heart.  Further, the management of one’s resources is a preparatory lesson for other responsibilities before God.

Indeed, life is an exercise in stewardship.

David displays to us a majestic heart of a giver in 2 Samuel 24:10-25.  He refuses to give something to God that doesn’t cost him something personally.  The root of this reality is worship (a continuous preoccupation with God).  In other words, he refuses to worship God on the cheap.  The result of his gift is acceptable unto God (see 1 Chronicles 21:25-28).

Beggars beget beggars.  Diggers beget diggers.  Stewards beget stewards.  A cell pastor who doesn’t steward well probably will beget a cell leader who doesn’t steward well.  I wonder what the cell members might be like in such a reality?

Leadership is modeling.

May your church, cell, and community experience Acts 2:43a, 44, 46b:  “A deep sense of awe came over them all….They shared everything they had…They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need…They shared their meals with great joy and generosity.”

Please comment.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *