This morning in church, Preacher really hit some nails right on the head. What an awesome service. Sometimes I just come out of there with my mouth hanging open. All the sermons are wonderful and truly God-inspired, but sometimes they hit a little closer to home.
The message today was taken fom Luke 10:25-37, The Parable of the Good Samaritan. The difference is that Preacher adapted this much taught parable to The Parable of the Good Steward.
After reading the scripture, Preacher asked us "What makes a good steward?" He explained that Stewardship is: Using God given abilities for taking care of God given resources for God ordained results. Powerful stuff!!
He then went on to explain that good stewardship really boils down to two things - our heart and our attitude.
At this point in the message, I was beginning to feel it pretty deep. I kept thinking and asking myself "What is my attitude?" Am I a good steward or do I just do things because I know I'm supposed to?" I think I was beginning to squirm a little bit in my seat.
Some of the things that kept going through my mind were, my house is a mess, there are dishes in the sink, laundry that needs to be done, etc. Then, it really began to sink in - Am I the best parent that I can be? Do I truly lead Jacob in the way of Christ? Do I pray over him constantly? Wow - that really began to hurt.
Then Preacher moved over to the Book of Malachi in the third chapter. This passage teaches on tithing. He asked us "Are you robbing God?" Oh, right in the gut!!!
Here is how it ties in to the passage in Luke.
In the Parable of the Good Samaritan we see three types of people.
1. The Robber - This attitude is: What is yours is mine and I'm going to take it.
2. The Levite/Pharisee - What's mine is mine and I'm going to keep it.
3. The Samaritan - What's mine is yours and I will gladly share it.
These three represent each of us as stewards to what God has graciously blessed us with. How do we handle it? Do we give with the right heart and attitude? Not just money but our time, our prayers, ourselves?
This one really gave me alot to think about. I have so much to consider. Am I robbing God by being a poor steward over the many blessings He has given me?
First thing in the morning - we start cleaning. Not just because I know it's the right thing to do but because I really feel in my heart that I want to be a good steward. Now, don't get the wrong idea - my flesh is screaming "no, don't make me, the mess really isn't that bad - this is summer vacation, chill out." But, my heart is saying, "oh, how nice the house will feel and look - not to mention how pleasing it will be to God that you obey Him." So, which one do you think I should follow - my flesh or my heart? I choose to follow my heart because that is where God is.
As for being a good steward over Jacob - well that will take more than a few days to ensure. I can get the house cleaned in a few days - but Jacob will require the rest of my life - and I gladly give it. After all, he is the greatest resource God has entrusted me with. Oh, it's an awesome responsibility but I'm up for the job. It should be a grand adventure.
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