Steward is a manager of what has been handed over to him in his hands. A good and faithful steward works and develops the God given resources like time, talent, treasure within the God given life span, expands it, guards it, manages it and shares it. Today, many who calls themselves as stewards labour a lot towards all that above said resources, but unfortunately hoard it for themselves and their generations. But a true Biblical steward shares them generously. David’s life stands as the best example for it.

The attitude of a faithful steward – Vs 2, 3, 6, 9, 14, 17

As a faithful steward, David’s life provides an exemplary role model in giving.
When he had the desire to build a Temple for God, the first and foremost thought popped up in the mind of David was thathe is building not for man but for God Vs 1. When he had this strong mindset, he was able to give for God with a willing mindset, wholehearted devotion, generous spirit and an upright heart.

This is what we derive when we study the following verses:

…With all my resources I have provided for the temple of my God… – Vs 2
…Besides, in my devotion to the temple of my God I now give my personal treasures… Vs 3
…the leaders, the officers … the commanders … officials… gave willingly… V6

The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord—Vs 9

…able to give as generously… – Vs 14
…All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. – Vs 17

David gave with a generous spirit and a sacrificial heart, which is more than the size of the gift that he offered. David knew that anything given to God is the result of God’s gracious giving first to us. Anything we have belongs to Him, and anything we give back to Him is already His.

A faithful steward never gives either to please others nor for an advertisement. He never decides to give by pressure or by fear. Giving with a murmuring or complaining heart will not be his testimony. The theme of his giving will be only for God’s glory. In giving we need to have a healthy heart and for that we should regularly monitor our heart with the Word of God. As faithful stewards of God, let us ponder our hearts today.

The understanding of a faithful steward – Vs. 10–14

David recognized that the God of the nation’s history is the God of all time and space. He is the true King as well as the owner and the giver of time, talent, and treasure. David acknowledged God as the owner and ruler of all things. More to it is His greatness, majesty, wisdom, power, and splendor witnessed in the dominion over His creation and his gracious redemption act. Everything is His, sustained by Him and for His glory. We give from what He has already provided. Nothing belongs to us. The primary motive for our generosity is the supreme generosity of God Himself, which is manifested by His sacrificial giving of His one and only Son on the Cross. We owe to Him doubly, both in creation and redemption.

The Joy of a faithful steward – Vs 9, 17, 20

Joy is the result of true sharing. Vs 9, 17, 22. Since David knew the joy of sharing, he encouraged his people to volunteer themselves and give towards building God’s Temple (Vs. 5). The temple is the meeting place of God and man, and God’s primary purpose is that He wants a closer relationship with mankind. So, David makes a life commitment to give his full strength and resources to be a greater source of support for the same. Keeping his life as an example David calls his subjects and people to consecrate to the Lord for the same cause and receive the joy through it.

God’s Kingdom can only be built by what He has entrusted in our hands. Love, forgiveness, collective work, shared leadership, students, staff and graduates’ initiative, oneness of heart, whole hearted commitment, laying down our time talent, treasure in His altar, willingness to work in a team by kindling our first love for God and His Kingdom.

Are we acknowledging what God has given in our hands ie., family, fellow ship, job, health, wealth, responsi-bilities in the committees and team work in the kingdom establishment.

When we acknowledge what we have received is all from God,

we will honour it.
we will make use of it for God’s glory
We will generously work through it.

Jesus prayed, “I have not lost one of those you gave me.” John 18:9

1. How much do we own that all that we have belongs to God?
2. Is our life a life witness for sharing in God’s Kingdom work where others are motivated to be the same?
3. How much are we sincere in building God’s Kingdom work and meeting its needs?

Thanks :  VISION UPDATE – February 2024.  V. Samuel Baptist, State Secretary, UESI-TN.