By Joseph Tan, Corporate Partner, FCA Southeast Asia Region
Genesis 2:15 says, “The LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.” As children of God, we are not only responsible for stewarding the financial blessings God supplies, but also the spiritual gifts given to us through the Holy Spirit. God wants human beings to collaborate with Him in the work of creation, redemption and sanctification. We are responsible to look after and take care of this world.
A biblical view of stewardship is how I hope to answer, “What drives you?” I find answers for using the resources and gifts God’s given me and my questions about how to do that in the Word of God.
BUILDING SOCIETIES
“Then God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground,’” (Genesis 1:28).
The whole of creation has been entrusted to human beings, and we carry the responsibility to manage it so the entire human race can exist and live abundantly, harmoniously and peacefully on the earth. It is not difficult to notice how far our current condition as societies and nations has fallen from this original vision God designed. As children of God who are aware of this crude imperfection of our current existence, let us work tirelessly and strive to make our societies a better place for everyone by offering our resources and gifts.
SERVING WITH OUR GIFTS
“God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another,” (1 Peter 4:10).
Everything we’ve received is given from our Creator, and this includes our time, health, talent, skills and material possessions. We are blessed with these gifts, and we are to use them to serve others in everything we do. The real calling of stewardship is to serve—nothing more and nothing less. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the ultimate role model, inspiring and motivating us to live our lives serving others with every blessing we’ve received.
EMBRACING A CONTRITE HEART
“And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive,’” (Acts 20:35).
We may not fully understand why God allows suffering and injustice. However, we know God loves us so much that He gave His one and only Son so we will not perish but have eternal life. When we look upon the cross, when we remember the suffering and pain our Lord Jesus Christ bore for us, our hearts will be broken for the same things that break God’s heart. The drive to serve and bless others in need comes from a broken and contrite heart.
CARRYING THE LIGHT
“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father,” (Matthew 5:16).
God is light, and as children of God made in His image, we are called to carry and shine this light in everything we do and every role we play. In the heart of God, He is longing for us to be a part of His effort in the work of creation, redemption and sanctification toward the new Heaven and new earth. Let’s join the Apostle Paul in straining toward what is ahead and pressing on toward the goal, which is Christ (Philippians 3:13-14).
May God shine through us and make our world a brighter and warmer place as we steward our gifts well.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the Word of God, our driver and motivator. Thank You for all of my gifts; help me steward them to please You and point others to Jesus Christ. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Joseph Tan was born in Ipoh, Malaysia, and came to know Jesus Christ 30 years ago while attending a local church. He graduated from the University of Melbourne with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. He is currently the managing director of his family business, Chek Hup Sdn. Bhd., an FCA corporate partner. In addition to supporting FCA, he serves as treasurer of the local state Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Joseph is married to his wife, Joey, and together they have two children, Joshua and Jonathan. He enjoys traveling and spending time with his family.
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