What is a Good Steward?

What is a Good Steward?

by Rich Bealer

The word “Steward” was introduced to me early in my childhood. My father was the Chief Steward of a UAW Local Union. His duty as a Chief Steward was to guide and direct (manage) the union members’ in their job performance and to ensure all issues were handled properly and consistent with their overall purpose for the organization.

Peter spoke about being a good Steward in his first book, Chapter 4. Specifically, he states in verse 10 (1 Peter 4:10)…” you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” The central core of biblical stewardship is managing everything God brings into the believer’s life in a manner that honors HIM!.

Each of us has been given a gift or gifts from God to use to build up His Kingdom. As Peter said, it might be speaking; or it might be serving. It may be praying, or it may be being a friend, or labor, or singing, or financial wealth and so many more. It does not matter what your gift is – you are to use it as an opportunity to serve others. In this current world environment, it is even more important to use those gifts – there is so much need in this world!

To me, being a good steward also brings home that word RADIATE! It is part of our ECOB vision statement. When you truly use your God-given gift(s) you are sending out waves or rays of hope to those who are in need of the love of God in their lives!

You all know the gift(s) that God gave you – so go now and use them to His Glory!