Stewards of Earthly Riches

Gospel on November 5, 2021

There's a lot to think about in this fable, and we can learn a lot from it. To begin, think of the
rich man as God, and you as the steward. This is an important first lesson to learn because it
teaches us that God is the true owner of all material things in the universe, and we are merely
stewards. Consider that for a moment. Do you cling on to everything you own, including your
money and possessions, as if you were the sole owner of these valuables? Clearly, the majority
of people believe this. They may toil hard to make a job, save and buy stuff, and build up their
bank accounts, only to become enamored of these possessions, Instead of recognizing them as
God's, I regard them as "my." So the first and most difficult lesson we must learn is that
everything we "own" is truly God's property. He merely allows us to be custodians of the
world's resources.
As stewards, we must pledge to use the resources entrusted to us solely in the ways that God
desires. The steward was reported to the rich man for "squandering his property" in this
parable, and we are equally guilty of squandering God's riches when we utilize money according
to our own wants and wishes rather than God's. This is a very prevalent inclination, especially
among individuals who have amassed a large sum of money. As a result, the more money under
one's stewardship, the more tempted they will be to squander it, that is, to spend it for selfish
ends rather than for the glory of God and in accordance with His will. This is a difficult lesson to
accept and live by. However, because this tale does expose these realities to us, it is critical that
we pay attention.
"Prepare a comprehensive account of your stewardship," said the rich man, are words that we
must all expect to hear one day. What would that "complete account of your stewardship" look
like if that day came today? Have you put in a lot of effort for your own benefit? Or have you
worked hard to handle the things God has entrusted to your care with great care?
The steward, according to the tale, acted "prudently" by devising a strategy to ensure that his
material requirements were covered once he lost his job as steward. The "prudence"
mentioned here, on the other hand, refers to the worldly, and hence bad, inventiveness, wit,
hard effort, and commitment that many individuals have in pursuit of the material wealth they
want in this world. Though it is admirable to be diligent and hardworking in life, it is all too
frequently done for personal gain. Imagine if everyone who worked so hard to get wealthy put
even more effort into establishing God's Kingdom on Earth! What a different world this would
be if we had so many challenges laborers dedicated to God's mission.
Consider the basic truth that, when it comes to the wealth of this world, you are merely the
steward, not the master, of what you have. God wants you to be free of material possessions so
that you can use whatever you have for His glory and in accordance with His plan. That does
not imply that you must give away everything you own to charity. Instead, it means that you
constantly give God everything you have and endeavor to utilize it in accordance with His will
and His will alone. If it implies you've discerned that God wants you to purchase something
new, go ahead and do so. Give more away if that means giving more away. If that means living
a more simple life as a sacred sacrifice, then so be it then go ahead and do it. Happiness is not
something that money can purchase. Only by fully embracing God's will you get the happiness
and fulfillment you crave.