StewardLife Lesson 33
INSIGHT OUT
It has been pointed out by historians that as nations (or people groups) become Christian, their level of productivity grows. Why? The new life in Christ governs the Christian's and the nation's lifestyle as a whole. Said in another way, God redeemed His human creation so that it could again meet His expectations in all aspects of life through Christ. Empowered by the Spirit, Christians can challenge indolence and indulgence -- without excuses, rationalization or other mental gymnastics. God's people are empowered to live a God-pleasing StewardLife using and enjoying all that they have received from God.
STORY
It happened again. There was a vacancy in the company just above Bob's position. Everyone expected Bob to apply for the director's job. After all, he had been working as assistant director for all of his17 years with the company. Twice before the director had left, and each time all the people in Bob's division expected him to seek the director's job.
But once again, Bob did not apply for department director.
"What is the matter with you?" one of his friends asked. "I have watched you pass on that promotion time and time again over the years."
"Nothing is the matter," Bob replied. "I enjoy my work. Being director means functioning as an executive. I don't like the business politics at that level. I've watched my bosses pressured into compromising their goals."
"I could learn to live with that, considering the salary!" said another co-worker. "I wouldn't have any reservations about compromise as long as they paid me what the former director got."
"That's not the point," Bob replied. "I see my job as unique. There's no one else in the department who can do what I can do -- not even the director."
"And what's that?" everyone chimed in together.
"I can make the director look really good. And that's my reward -- what I do really makes the director look good."
INSIGHT OUT
When was the last time you practiced servant leadership to make someone else look really good? The job of the steward-the manager of the owner's resources -- is to make the best investments, run the smoothest operation, and work in the background to bring strength and glory to the owner. As God's stewards -- trustees of His world -- we manage what He gives us to draw attention to His goodness. Why wouldn't God give His best managers more to manage? Scripture is full of such narratives and promises (See Matthew 25: the parable of the talents, especially verse 21) Could the practice of stewardship explain the change in nations which become Christian?
EXERCISE
Would "leader as servant" be accepted by those with whom you live and work? Can you live with it yourself? How might life be different if you practiced servant leadership? Name one or two ways your lifestyle might be better as a result.
