Friday: Further Thought – The Habits of a Steward
Further Thought: Enoch and Noah made it a habit to walk with God in an age when few remained faithful amid excess, materialism, and violence (Gen. 5:24, Gen. 6:9). They understood and accepted God’s grace, and were thus good stewards of the possessions and tasks entrusted to them.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
Down through the ages, people have walked with God just as Enoch and Noah did. For instance, Daniel and his friends “realized that in order to stand as representatives of true religion amid the false religions of heathenism they must have clearness of intellect and must perfect a Christian character. And God Himself was their teacher. Constantly praying, conscientiously studying, keeping in touch with the Unseen, they walked with God as did Enoch.” – Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, p. 486.
“Walking with God” defines what a steward does, that is, living with God day by day on earth. A wise steward will make it a habit to walk with God amid a world of corruption, for only by this connection with God can we be protected from falling into the prevailing evils.
Being a faithful steward entails an all-encompassing life that begins with being in agreement with God (Amos 3:3). We must walk in Christ (Col. 2:6), walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4), walk in love (Eph. 5:2), walk in wisdom (Col. 4:5), walk in truth (Ps. 86:11), walk in the light (1 John 1:7), walk in integrity (Prov. 19:1), walk in His law (Exod. 16:4), walk in good works (Eph. 2:10), and walk the straight path (Prov. 4:26).
Discussion Questions:
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We should not feel as we were better than anyone else, but humble before God and our neighbors.
I agree we sometimes think we knows all,but we need to remember others so them we care as Jesus does.
i am very much elated and encouraged by this week's lesson especially that of Thursday. i have really learnt a lot from it and i pray very much that what i have learnt will stick and stay with me and i know by GOD's grace, it will go a long way to help improve on my christian life and my walk with GOD. Please pray for me and for the empowerment of the HOLY SPIRIT in my life, as i see myself drifting away from GOD lately
GOD bless us all!
Just remember that a good stewardship is only a utopia within, and we cannot beat our human body into submission in order to develop Christlike character. Moreover, it has nothing to do with developing a set of moral behaviors including regular sacrificial giving to the church.
Also we can only and I mean only develop good stewardship but the leading of the Holy Spirit and it is not possible by any other means. WE cannot TITHE our way into heaven either.
We as human being CANNOT hasten anything, if we try we normally get into trouble. We can only release our pride and identity and allow the Lord to cleanse us from sin by His blood and give us a new identity: born-again, adopted son or daughter of God! unless we are born again, we cannot see the kingdom of heaven.
Titus 2:7 (NKJV)
7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity…
Cultivating good habits that will enhance our walk with God. Many years ago it was in the News media a 50 y/o nurse decided to change her habits in all aspect of her life which include exercise and diet. She practice over & over again good habits which resulted in good skills and a youthful body. At age 70 she had a perfect well shaped body & a sharp mind. She became the champion in many body building competition all because she was diligent in practicing good habits. We as God’s children living in Israel must constantly practice good habits with persistency & dedication only then can we endure the torn in our path. Let us all be like athletes preparing for a competition by training our bodies & minds in cultivating good habits ;only that we are preparing for eternal life & that God is our guide & light. His is words are our tools.