Ldg W/ Wisdom, Vision & Value

3.1 Devotion. The Good Steward, Part 3

Getting Started

The Good Steward: Part 3 – Readiness

Immediately following the biblical passage that we read last workshop about the good steward’s perspective on riches/resources, Luke records more teaching and another parable from Jesus. One implication of the shift from an owner-orientation to a steward-orientation is a clearer understanding of accountability. When we are stewards of something belonging to someone (or something) else, we may need to give an account of our leadership and management at any time. Thus, there is a simple principle we should adopt – always be ready.

Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be able to:

· Recognize strong and wise leadership skills through leaders in the Bible.

Background Information

Read (new tab) / Listen (new tab)  to Luke 12:35-48.

The good steward’s acceptance of the steward-orientation rather than the owner-orientation provides additional incentive to be prepared to give an account of their stewardship. The text provides some clear principles to consider, including (1) the precise timing of when a steward may have to give an account is not always known and (2) whenever such accounting may be required, it would be good to be ready – to be found faithfully exercising stewardship. 

The stories of individual and organizational ethical failures frequently are characterized by “getting away with it for a while.” However, eventually, a complaint, a whistleblower, or patterns in behaviors and outcomes lead to an investigation or a revelation of what really has been going on.

Money embezzled. Fraud perpetrated. People hurt. Why? Usually because an individual(s) decided that personal and organizational gain or protection was more important than the damage done to others. Such leaders reject the steward-orientation, or at least a good steward orientation. Further, such leaders are not ready to give an account of their stewardship. Fines and time in prison may result.

Twice in the passage, Luke notes that it will be good for the servant/steward to be found operating appropriately (cf. vv. 38, 43) when the moment of accounting arrives. The passage ends with a strong accountability statement, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” ( New International Version Bible, 1973/1984, Luke 12:48b). The good steward is ready.

After you have read the passage, consider the following prompts:

1. How does the Luke 12 passage continue to reflect the  reality of God as owner and us as stewards as well as the proper place or perspective of  resources (that we observed during previous workshops’ devotionals)?

2. As you think about your life and your work as a leader, have you always adopted the “ready to give an account” posture of a good steward? Have there/are there things you may be currently “getting away with” that could cause you (and your family or your organization) difficulty if discovered? (Note. Please do not disclose any specific items in your reflection. This prompt is meant to help you do authentic, personal assessment).

3. If you have a perspective different from a Christian worldview, what does that perspective suggest about accountability and being ready to give account for one’s decisions and actions?

4. As you consider readiness, in what ways have your attitudes and actions been more consistent with being an “owner” or “poor steward” versus being a “good steward?”

5. What are some initial ideas on how you could begin to make an owner/poor steward / good steward shift in those areas? What practices might you adopt as a leader to always be ready to give an account?

Based on the above prompts, write a one-half to one-page reflection paper that discusses how your own values shape your perspectives about ownership and stewardship. Be specific.

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

2. Review the Bible text and prompts provided in the Getting Started and Background Information sections. 

3. Write a one-half to one-page reflection paper (Word document; @250 words double-spaced = 1 page) that shares your thoughts/perspectives on the themes of this devotional and submit it using the assignment submission link below by the sixth day of the workshop week. Be sure to apply APA formatting guidelines. 

4. You do not need to “answer” each of the prompts. Rather, use them to stimulate your thinking. Then, write a meaningful discussion of the important insights or even questions that emerge during your reflection.