A Favored Steward
Today’s Verse:
And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured. ~Genesis 39:6
What would you do if someone put you in charge of everything that he owns? Could you be trusted to protect what has been entrusted to you? Our devotion this morning looks at the life of a man who is one of the best examples of stewardship in the Bible. We are considering Joseph and the blessing that he was to Potiphar as the key manager of his household.
There is the principle of stewardship.
Stewardship is when a person has been assigned oversight over the assets of another person. A steward is not the owner. A steward is a manager of another’s affairs. A steward is expected to be a wise and prudent handler of the owner’s assets. The owner depends on the steward to make sure that nothing is lost and that there is an augmentation of what has been entrusted. Stewards are expected to give an accurate account of the things that they have been entrusted with.
There is the performance in stewardship.
We are told that Potiphar “left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat.” A steward can be trusted. A steward knows that the violation of trust leads to termination and failure. A steward is always ready to give an update and account of everything that he has been entrusted with. A steward is careful not to let anything go to waste. A steward will look at opportunities that can advance his owner’s assets. A good steward has a valued reputation. Are you a steward who manages well?
There is the positive in stewardship.
Joseph was "a goodly person, and well favoured." Joseph’s name means “added to.” He added value and increase to his owner. Everyone in the household knew that Joseph was an honest, hardworking, and prudent man. He sought to advance his owner’s cause. Everyone loved Joseph! If anything major needed to be done, Joseph was the first consideration to come to mind. Are you a steward whom people think of when there is a need?
There is the preventive in stewardship.
Joseph was circumspect to not allow himself to fall into the trap of being a bad manager or misusing his entrustment. When the temptation came to him to enter into an affair with Potiphar’s wife, Joseph said, “No!” He kept safeguards around his heart and desires. He did not allow pride or covetousness to enter into his thoughts. He kept himself busy and avoided the appearance of evil.
Our life is entrusted to us by God. God only gives us what He can trust us with. Are you someone whom God can trust with His Word? Are you someone whom God can trust with His work? Are you someone whom God can trust with His wealth? Where you are today in life is an indication of how much God is able to trust you! Be a steward who glorifies the Lord!
Have a faithful God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Exodus 28-29