James Ryle on Stewardship

“It is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).


To review our past few posts, we have discussed the Beggar, the Digger, and the Steward. These are Life’s Three Options – and the choices you make each day on how you will spend your time, use your resources, and apply your talents will ultimately determine which of these three options defines who you become.

A Beggar does whatever is necessary to survive, only to spend most of his life in poverty; filled with bitterness. A Digger scrapes to become successful; his goal is prosperity, and upon attaining it he walks in pride. A Steward seeks significance; and he understands that generosity is the gateway to greatness. He walks in humility, and God makes all grace abound toward him.

In light of all this I’ve gotta believe that you want to be a Steward; otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this post. So, with you in mind, here is what you need to know.

“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). God is the Owner of all things. Our possession of things is but a loan, and we will give an account for how we handle His property. This means that everything we have provides us with the opportunity to become a steward. Inasmuch as we are guests in God’s House, so to speak, then every day we live and every decision we make is measured by the standard of Stewardship.

Here is where the Golden Rule comes into clearest focus – “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” Care for that which belongs to another the same way you would want another to care for what belongs to you. In all things and at all times hold to this view of yourself – I am a steward. Whatever your occupation may be in the daily affairs of life – your vocation is one of stewardship.

Spend time in God’s Word to discover God’s will; learn what He wants you to do with that which belongs to Him. And in the final analysis you will be empowered in knowing that the one thing the Lord expects from you is faithfulness.

“It is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). The word faithful means “proving oneself worthy of trust.” God trusts you with His world, with His Word, and with His work. You don’t have to do more than you are able to do; nor should you settle for doing less. All that is required is that you be faithful is doing whatever it is He wants you to do – to the best of your ability.

After all, aren’t you longing for that Day when you will hear — “Well, done thou good and faithful servant (i.e., steward)?” Yeah; me, too.