Principles of Stewardship
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thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”—
The
Review and Herald, September 12, 1899
.
How God Proves His Stewards
How inclined is man to set his affections on earthly things! His
attention is absorbed in houses and lands, and his duty to his fellow
man is neglected; his own salvation is treated as a matter of little
consequence, and the claims of God upon him are forgotten. Men
grasp the treasures of earth as tenaciously as if they could hold on to
them forever. They seem to think that they have a right to do with their
means just as it pleases them, no matter what the Lord has commanded,
or what may be the need of their fellow men.
They forget that all they claim as theirs, has simply been entrusted
to them. They are stewards of the grace of God. God has committed
this treasure to them to prove them, that they may manifest their
attitude to His cause, and show the thoughts of their heart toward Him.
They are not only trading for time, but for eternity, with their Lord’s
money, and the use or abuse of their talent will determine their position
and trust in the world to come.—
The Review and Herald, February
14, 1888
.
A Practical Question
The idea of stewardship should have a practical bearing upon all
the people of God.... Practical benevolence will give spiritual life to
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thousands of nominal professors of the truth who now mourn over their
darkness. It will transform them from selfish, covetous worshipers of
mammon, to earnest, faithful coworkers with Christ in the salvation of
sinners.—
Testimonies for the Church 3:387
.
In the Master’s Stead
A steward identifies himself with his master. He accepts the respon-
sibilities of a steward, and he must act in his master’s stead, doing as
his master would do were he presiding. His master’s interests become
his. The position of a steward is one of dignity, because his master
trusts him. If in any wise he acts selfishly, and turns the advantages