Hospitality as stewardship

Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability … Continue reading Hospitality as stewardship

Who is our master?

And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou … Continue reading Who is our master?

Courtesy

Courtesy and courtship are derived from the same root word and both convey the idea of trying to please someone else.  All other things being equal, the business that will thrive is the one that greets and serves its customers with genuine warmhearted courtesy. On a trip some years ago, we stopped for gas around … Continue reading Courtesy

Should Christians tithe?

Some Christians firmly believe that the Old Testament 10% rule is still in force for Christians today.  They tell inspirational tales of someone who was struggling financially and could hardly find any spare change for the collection plate.  Then they began to give 10% off the top of their income and, as if by magic, … Continue reading Should Christians tithe?

They that seek to be rich

The sinful woman [who anointed Jesus' feet] sought the company of the righteous; but these seek the company of the unrighteous. They visit each other to talk all manner of foolishness; to injure their neighbour's reputation; to defame and backbite; to speak disgracefully of one another, speak of costly furniture, houses, goods and handsome companions, … Continue reading They that seek to be rich

What is Christian Stewardship? Part 3

The New Testament admonishes us to “redeem the time”. Our understanding of this phrase is closely bound to our concept of stewardship.  Those who see stewardship primarily in material terms interpret this phrase as an injunction to occupy every minute with some gainful employment. Interestingly enough, if we look at the context, we find the … Continue reading What is Christian Stewardship? Part 3

What is Christian Stewardship? Part 2

The parable of the unjust steward, found in Luke 16, has mystified many commentators.  The conduct of this steward is clearly contrary to popular notions of good stewardship.  Yet verse 8 says “And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely”.  Some commentators try to wriggle out of this corner by noting … Continue reading What is Christian Stewardship? Part 2

What is Christian Stewardship? Part 1

The Christian lives in a world that is almost entirely governed by the pursuit of material gain.  Governments that seemed untouchable have fallen because they could not deliver the material goods that their citizens coveted.  Nominal Christianity long ago forged an alliance with the powers of materialism. The Catholic church maintained a teaching against usury … Continue reading What is Christian Stewardship? Part 1

What is good stewardship?

Governments have always needed a source of revenue to administer their territory, but many years ago, tax collection was not done as it is today.  The gathering of taxes was farmed out to men who contracted to deliver a certain sum of money to the king or governor.  These men then collected the money from … Continue reading What is good stewardship?