Articles
What Kind of Stewards Are We?
Every spring, while working at the University of Chicago, I walked through a beautiful gothic arch encircled by dogwood and redbud trees. Years ago, someone planted them for the enjoyment of those who would pass under it. Is our generation doing anything of such lasting beauty and impact?
For 23 years, I enjoyed working in universities and colleges. I served in large and small private liberal arts schools. I worked with computers, a relatively new discipline on campus. I almost did not make it past my third year. I failed to grasp the complexity of a university, especially its highly decentralized, faculty-focused nature.
By chance, I found an article that helped me adjust. It noted that universities have existed for 1,000 years and computers for about 70. Technology is a new field disrupting old and established disciplines. Friction was inevitable. The author noted people work in 1,000-year institutions for a brief period. Those who serve there are stewards responsible for continuing the school's legacy. Stewards should manage university resources to strengthen and leave them for the next generation. Understanding this made me a more productive community member, and I came to appreciate the places I worked.
church has existed for 2,000 years. Daniel prophesied that the church is "a kingdom that shall never be destroyed" (Dan. 2:44). Paul and Apollos were ministers in God's church during its formative years. How did they see their work in the kingdom? “This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. ” (1 Cor. 4:1). A steward is responsible for taking care of something. Paul and Apollos, as servants of Christ, were "stewards of the mysteries of God." The gospel reveals "the mysteries of God," God's plan to save humankind from eternal death. As a good steward, Paul wrote down God's revelation so we could read and understand it (Eph. 3:3-6). Paul and Apollos were true to their mission and were effective stewards of the gospel.
Two thousand years later, we are servants of Christ and stewards of the gospel. What kind of stewards are we? Every one of us builds on a foundation laid 2,000 years ago. Paul warns us, "Let each one take care how he builds upon it" (1 Cor. 3:10). Why should we be careful?
“Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.” (1 Cor. 3:12-15 ESV)
Did you notice what Paul said? "Fire will test what sort of work each one has done. " The church can never be destroyed, but local churches can. Congregations can be destroyed through selfish ambition, deceit, and false teaching. It is more likely that local churches will be ruined by apathy and shoddy work. Our congregation was established by God's stewards many years ago. We build on a work they started. Are we using the gold and silver of Christ's redeeming love and God's holy word? Or are we using the wood, hay, and straw of our opinions to build on the glorious foundation? We need to be very careful because “If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple” (1 Cor. 3:17).
Paul gave up everything to be a servant of Christ and a steward of the gospel. He said, “For his sake, I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish” (Phil. 3:8). Paul gave up a life of worldly comfort and accomplishment to serve Christ. The word used for "loss" indicates that "the loss involves considerable hardship and suffering." (Louw & Nida). He did it because he considered, "that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Rom. 8:18 ESV). Do we possess the same dedication and disposition in our service to Christ?
Remember our stewardship. Our work is for a brief time in this 2,000-year-old kingdom. This congregation is our responsibility. Will we leave it better than we found it?
