Key verse:Luke 16:12: “And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?” (KJV).
Luke Chapter 16 tells us about the parable of an unfaithful steward. He was a wasteful steward because he was stealing from the business and could not give account of how he managed the business. A steward is a person who manages the resources of another. The position of a steward or employee of an organisation is a trust position. This requires the utmost level of trust in the steward.
A faithful steward is prudent and frugal with money and demonstrates true accountability in his financial dealings. But here, the story is different. The steward mismanaged the master’s money to ingratiate himself with debtors. The master’s call for an accounting demonstrates the principle of accountability (Luke 16:2). Just as the steward was responsible for the business owner’s resources, we are all accountable to God for how we manage our lives and resources.
The parable emphasises the consequences of dishonesty and the need for integrity in all areas of life, including financial matters. It is commonly observed in the workplace that some staff are wasteful, and are running down their organisations. Some servants steal from the business, so, much that before the owner may find out, the business would be already grounded. Why do you want to kill a business that pays you at the end of every month? Corruption has eaten deep into the fabrics of our society today. We should not compromise ourselves by making dishonest gains from our places of work. We should take responsibility to see that our places of work grow, rather than run it down. We should not take money that does not belong to us. Be satisfied with your earnings, as you trust god and work hard for better pay. Wealth requires accountability. Be careful with your finances because that is the road to wealth.
True riches and wealth are waiting for your faithfulness. When people cannot trust you with money, you are unfaithful. Every good servant or worker should possess the characteristic of trustworthiness and financial integrity. You should be faithful in the workplace and faithful in another man’s business. If you run down another man’s business, God will not bless your own business. Your own will only flourish when you have proven to be faithful in another man’s business. Make up your mind to be faithful anywhere you find yourself. Some people dig a hole everywhere they pass and by so doing, their names stink wheneverthey are mentioned. Trust is a cornerstone of any relationship, whether it is personal, professional or familial.
When someone is untrustworthy with money, it can erode the foundation of trust, leading to a sense of instability and uncertainty. The steward’s wastefulness is a direct violation of the trust placed on him, highlighting a lack of diligence and responsibility.
We should imbibe the culture of being a blessing and not a curse to our workplace. God blesses faithfulness and not crookedness. When we are faithful in our workplaces, God will be committed to bless and prosper the work of our hands. Be a plus to your organisation and not a minus.
Focus on positive contributions, offering helpful solutions and maintaining a positive and supportive attitude towards colleagues and the overall organisation. Go above the minimum standards set at your workplaces by being productive and raising the bar of excellence. Daniel purposed in his heart that as good as the standard in the palace of the king of Babylon was, that that standard was not good enough for him (Daniel 1:8). Daniel decided he was going to go on a higher standard. Heaven’s standard is offering our best service and nothing short of it.
• Today’s nugget: Be Determined to go on higher standards. Phone Contact: 07032361509. E-mail: [email protected] Ejiofor, business coach and strategist.
