Stewards Ask Questions By Howard Rich

Did you know stewards ask questions?

In a world where we are bombarded with a never-ending torrent of information, all of which seems to be grabbing at our attention, we would be wise to slow down and ask ourselves some core questions in an effort to focus and filter what we allow to shape us as God’s stewards.  We can learn some great lessons from Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46); on the night of his betrayal, his purposes were ultimately defined by and subjected to the Father.

Scripture tells us that our Lord agonized to the point of death over taking up the cup of wrath, even requesting the Father take the cup away if possible.  Jesus asked three times that the burden of taking on the sins of the world would be removed, but each time he ended the request by submitting his will to the will of the Father.  Of the many lessons we could learn from this passage, the most comforting for me is the fact that Jesus submitted to the plan of the Father.  When we don’t know what to do and we seem to have wandered out into the wilderness on our own, we can get back on our knees and submit to the Father.

I enjoy praying early in the mornings while I walk through our neighborhood.  In the past month or so as I walk and pray, I have intentionally asked myself,

Who do I really work for?  What are my rights and privileges?

What are my duties and obligations?

How do I assess my impact on others?

Who has benefited from my stewardship?

Who should benefit from my stewardship?

These questions have given me a sense of reality as I navigate the complexities of relationships and responsibilities I encounter on a daily basis.

I present each of these questions before God with my hands open facing toward the sky, as I ask God to align my answers with his purposes.  I am a living, thinking being created in the image of God, one who has fears, doubts about my capabilities, and feelings that are affected by what others think of me.  Praying through these questions helps align my worth back to where it belongs, as a steward of the most high God.  I am grateful for those times of prayer where the torrent of information vying for my attention is silenced, and I can submit my will to the will of the Father.

What questions could you pray though that would help you submit your will to God?

####

Howard Rich is the CFO of Global Disciples.  Howard is a life-long advocate of generous living and desires to see Christians lead from a heart of stewardship and generosity.

If your call has led you to Christian nonprofit service, then Christian Leadership Alliance is the community for you!

Lean More About Christian Leadership Alliance Membership.