Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? Luke 16:10-12
“Of all the challenges contained in Scripture for the securing of overflowing blessing, none is so striking and unqualified as that which makes obedience to God in our use of money the condition of His favor. There are many individuals and congregations that have accepted this challenge, and through the obedience of faith have entered into the richest spiritual blessing of all their history.”
J. Campbell White as quoted in the opening of “Study Seven” of The New Christian: Studies in Stewardship by Ralph S. Cushman (New York: Centenary Conservation Committee, Methodist Episcopal Church, 1919) 112.
Jesus makes the connection between the stewardship of worldly wealth as demonstration of preparedness for the stewardship of true riches. In White’s inspiring words, those who have accepted this challenge and walked the path of obedience experience overflowing blessing. Have you and your congregation accepted this challenge?
This is not to be confused with prosperity gospel, which gives to get. This is about exhibiting faithful stewardship and receiving blessings (not just material ones) from the Master to enjoy and share. The key, and many people don’t get this, is not to focus on how much you give. The world looks at that.
Focus on how much you keep instead. That’s what God looks at. It took us years to figure this out. We only “got it” when we stopped storing up treasures on earth. God looks not at what we give but what we keep because it shows where we place our trust. God is looking for trustworthy stewards to bless so they can be a blessing.
Are you a trustworthy steward?