1 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV) -- Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

A steward is not something we are as familiar with today as people would have been in the past. Stewards had the responsibility for managing property or possessions. They did not own those things, but they were tasked with taking care of them. They were hired as managers and overseers of whatever the owners made them responsible for. 

Our passage today connects this idea to the Christian life. Paul writes to the church in Corinth, “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” The goal of a steward is to be found faithful with what the master has given them to oversee. Paul uses this term "stewards" to describe the role of the Christian life. 

Christians are stewards of many things. We are stewards of the gospel. The gospel message of Jesus’ death and resurrection came to us and brought salvation. Our lives should steward this grace. We are also stewards with our time, spiritual gifts, resources, and lives. When we think about our life, and each aspect of it as stewardship, that implies that none of it is ours. It belongs to another. In this case, it belongs to the Lord who is the master. 

The task for the Christian is to see all of life as a stewardship. We are stewards. And the number one job of a steward is to be found faithful. What are you doing with the life God has given you? Are you stewarding your time in a way that honors the master? Are you a steward of your resources and gifts in a faithful way? These questions must be answered by us because we have our life and breath and being because of God. We are fully accountable to Him.

Reflection & Journal:
- Why is it helpful to think of ourselves as stewards?
- What kind of things does this mentality make us aware of? How should our lives look different?
- How do you think you are stewarding what God has given you to manage?