Holistic Spirituality: Stewardship & Purpose part 6

The follower of Jesus owns nothing, we are but stewards for the Master.  In the Scriptures this idea is put forth in plain teaching and many stories.  There was a master who went away on a far journey….

As stewards for Jesus we swim upstream against a materialistic culture that foolishly thinks that “he who dies with the most toys wins” instead of the way it really is: “He who dies with the most toys… leaves them all behind, and there is no Uhaul trailing the hearse.”   So stewardship means…we own nothing, God owns it all, use it wisely for Him.   

Stewardship of Your home

So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2
Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.
From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.
So he left in Joseph's care everything he had; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, Genesis 39:4-6

Stewardship of Your Time

Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise,
making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16
Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12
And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Romans 13:11

Stewardship of Your Talents

For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? 1 Corinthians 4:7
We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. Romans 12:6
Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." Romans 15:2-3

Stewardship of Your Treasure

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17
If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 1 John 3:17
and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." Job 1:21

The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; Psalm 24:1
You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." Deuteronomy 8:17

Stewardship of Truth

But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-13
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Stewardship of Relationships

"Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out--those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. John 5:28-29
Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:2

Stewardship of Other Areas

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Colossians 4:5
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:13

 

So what should be our Purpose?  Our Primary Purpose should be to know and Love God followed by a Secondary Purpose – to know and love others

Global Purpose 1: Loving God completely

Global Purpose 2: Loving Myself Correctly (image of God, grow in humility & obedience)

Global Purpose 3: Loving Others Compassionately (see people as God sees them, to the best of our ability: Saved /Lost)

The Pearl

"I want this pearl. How much is it?" "

Well," the seller says, "it's very expensive."

"But, how much?" we ask. "Well, a very large amount."

"Do you think I could buy it?"

"Oh, of course, everyone can buy it."

"But, didn't you say it was very expensive?"

"Yes."

"Well, how much is it?"

"Everything you have," says the seller.

We make up our minds, "All right, I'll buy it," we say.

"Well, what do you have?" he want to know.

"Let's write it down." "Well, I have ten thousand dollars in the bank."

"Good- -ten thousand dollars. What else?"

"That's all.. That's all I have."

"Well, I have a few dollars here in my pocket."

"How much?" We start digging.

"Well, let's see--thirty, forty, sixty, eighty, a hundred, a hundred twenty dollars." "That's fine. What else do you have?"

"Well, nothing. That's all."

"Where do you live?" He's still probing.

 "In my house. Yes, I have a house."

"The house, too, then." He write that down.

"You mean I have to live in my camper?"

"You have a camper? That, too. What else?"

"I'll have to sleep in my car!"

"You have a car?"

"Two of them."

"Both become mine, both cars. What else?"

"Well, you already have my money, my house, my camper, my cars. What more do you want?"

"Are you alone in this world?"

"No I have a wife and two children....."

"Oh, yes, your wife and children, too. What else?"

"I have nothing left! I am left alone now."

Suddenly the seller exclaims, "Oh, I almost forgot! You yourself, too! Everything becomes mine--wife, children, house, money, cars--and you too."

Then he goes on. "Now listen--I will allow you to use all these things for the time being. But don't forget that they are mine, just as you are. And whenever I need any of them you must give them up, because now I am the owner."

from Juan Carlos Ortiz,Disciple