“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful?” ~ 1 Corinthians 4:2
Banking has not always been banking as we know it. The history of banking is one of shakiness and mistrust that has extended even up to this day. You may still hear the occasional, “I don’t trust the bank.”
These people usually have a good reason based off experience and an even better reason if they know the history of banking shortcomings. I, on the other hand, have placed my trust in my bank to be faithful stewards of my money. Modern banking as we know it comes from Italian vendors such as a merchants and goldsmiths, who would make payments on behalf of other people (sound familiar? e.g., debit card).
But what makes a steward a steward? What more is required than to simply be found faithful? Otherwise, not much responsibility or possessions would be entrusted. The key word is entrusted.
There is much to be said about a good steward but instead of speaking deeply to the quality of a steward, we must first understand that a steward is not merely a man/woman of money. It is a person of diligence, faithfulness, and discernment (Proverbs 10:4; 14:23). A good steward understands that their is a profit in everything under their watch.
Money is not the only commercial quantity. Patience is cultivated under a watchful eye and experience is a valuable quality in which the greatest of stewards exhibits.
In fact, a steward in its original and purest sense is someone who manages household affairs. It is even a requirement of the church leadership (1 Timothy 3:4).
So I say all this to ask, what is under your care? Is it a household? Is it finances or maybe, something a bit more abstract such as the “temple of your body?” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Did you know that as a Christian, God has entrusted you with the glorious message of salvation (1 Thessalonians 2:4). It is a free gift, but one that is far too great to sit within the vault of your heart (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Sometimes, stewards have to disperse what is in their care! Examples include banks giving money, parents allowing kids to go to school, and the church going on a mission. Stewards do not hoard, they discern how to allocate.
Allocate the Gospel boldly.