Blog

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.¹

What does a servant do? What does it connote to be a servant? Are they not to be subservient to a master; and whose loyalty is expected? The Google’s English dictionary² defines servant as a devoted and helpful follower or supporter; “a tireless servant of God.” Whereas a steward, originally from an Old English stīweard, from stig (probably in the sense ‘house, hall’) + weard ‘ward’. The verb dates from the early 17th century. 1. (of an official) supervise arrangements or keep order at (a large public event), “the event was organized and stewarded properly;” 2. manage or look after (another’s property),”security is found in participating in community and stewarding nature.”³ Some of the word pictures that come to mind is a help who secures, safeguards, protects, upkeeps, maintains the property entrusted until the master demands of it. To secure a property, a wall may be erected, guard posts constructed and trained guard dogs may be employed, warning signages as deterrents may be posted visibly. Similarly, to be awarded the task, a steward needs preparation, skill, experience, wisdom, strength of character, humility, and obedience.

It likewise implies the steward is not the owner of the thing or property managed. He is given a trust and is to be faithful to the trust. “Hear, O my people, and I will speak . . . I am God, your God. . . . every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves is the field is mine.⁴ The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.⁵

Interestingly, the Bible says, Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.⁶ My son, be attentive to my wisdom; incline your ear to my understanding, that you may keep discretion, and your lips may guard knowledge.⁷ Matthew bridges the verses by saying, For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.⁸ It is our responsibility as servants to abide in Christ⁹ and as stewards to study, promote, reveal, instruct, tell, encourage believers to seek the knowledge of God¹⁰ and to mature in the knowledge of God.¹¹

Yet among the mature, we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for it they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what god has prepared for those who love him”—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit.¹² “For who has understood the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct him?”
But we have the mind of Christ.¹³

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.¹⁴ Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.¹⁵