A steward is one entrusted with caring for the goods of a superior.  The Bible reveals that often stewards were set over an entire household (Gen. 15:2; 39:1-9; 43:19; Matthew 20:8), though the same word in the original can also refer to a guardian or curator (Gal. 4:2).  The apostle Paul recognized that he was a steward of the mysteries of God (1 Cor. 4:1).

Really all Christians are stewards (1 Peter 4:10).  In fact, every human being, Christian or not, is a steward of what God has bestowed (Matt. 5:45; James 1:17). In reality we own nothing.  We came into this world with nothing and we will leave it with nothing (Job 1:21; Ecc. 5:15; 1 Tim. 6:7).  Everything really belongs to our superior: God (Psa. 24:1).  As stewards we will be held accountable for how we have managed what the Lord has placed in our charge (Luke 16:1-2; 1 Cor. 4:2).  Those who have faithfully managed what God has entrusted them will be recompensed by being ruler over many things, but those who mismanage will be punished (Matt. 25:14-30).

The most valuable possession with which God has entrusted each of us is the soul.  Jesus asked, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:26).  One’s soul is more valuable thant all the possessions the world can boast.

Our souls belong to God (Ezek. 18:4). At death, they will be returned to His possession (Ecc. 12:7).  God did not design the soul to be lost.  He gave His own Son as a sacrifice so that through His blood we can be saved (John 3:16; Heb. 5:8-9; 1 Pet. 1:18-19). He has provided the power for our souls to be saved in the Gospel (Rom. 1:16), which is His word (James 1:21).  We must choose to save our souls (Acts 2:40) by getting in the water as God has directed (1 Pet. 3:21) and continuing in a faithful life of service (Gal. 6:9; Heb. 10:38-39; Rev. 2:10).

Sadly, however, there are many who will choose to waste what God has given them and lose this most valuable possession.  If a man does nothing, then his soul will be lost and the torment he suffers in the life to come will be in the face of all that God has provided and intended for him (Matt. 25:25-30).  How are you caring for your most valuable possession?

– Mark Day