The Master and the Steward

The Master and the Steward

This chapter starts with the statement that money is a tool that can be used for great good or great ill. John Wesley preached a sermon based on Luke 16:9. He said:

It is a excellent gift of God answering the noblest ends. In the hands of his children, it is food for the hungry, drink for the thirsty, raiment for the naked. It gives the traveler and the stranger where to lay his head. By it we may supply the place of a husband to a widow, and of a father to the fatherless. We may be a defense for the oppressed, a means of health to the sick, of ease to them that are in pain; it may be eyes to the blind, as feed to the lame; yea a lifter up from the gates of death! It is therefore of the highest concern that all who fear God know how to employ this valuable talent; that they be instructed how it may answer these glorious ends and in the highest degree.

John Wesley then went on to give us three simple rules concerning money:

• Gain all you can.
• Save all you can.
• Give all you can.
  

This chapter gives a glimpse of understanding on both the poverty and the prosperity theology. The theology that provides a pivot between these two extremes views in tension is the theology of stewardship. We have a stewardship responsibility to manage all resources (i.e. talents, treasures, time and territory) faithfully and wisely, according to the will of the Master. Our ultimate goal is to be able to give a account of all that He has given to us.

Have a blessed day!