A Faithful and Wise Steward

Mitch Williams

Split-Sermon - September 6, 2014

Hello, brethren! Welcome to the Sabbath!

You know, the many construction sites that I have worked on throughout my career as an electrician have had many things in common, and one of those things is that there are many responsibilities and duties that need oversight by someone. There are foreman for every trade on the job, and there is a general foreman over the whole project. Obviously, there are project managers in the offices of each company. There are presidents and owners of those companies, all of which oversee specific or various aspects of the jobs and are held accountable at some level for the building of that project.

Another aspect of many of those projects is that they are run by union companies, and therefore, there are always a number of union stewards on the jobsite, and the stewards have oversight of the members of their specific union. And they have a responsibility to the other members of that union and to the union itself. Again, they have responsibility and of accountability of managing various aspects of the project, and that falls to those specific stewards.

And brethren, in many ways our calling into God's Church can be a bit like being on a construction site. There are many responsibilities and there's accountability for various aspects of building of God's House. We are given a kind of stewardship over our own lives and over how we interact with one another. And so I ask you: What kind of steward are you? What kind of steward do you want to be? What kind of steward should you be?

So the purpose of this message is to define "stewardship" and to show its relation to our calling in God's Church by looking at a few aspects of our responsibilities as God's people.

To begin with, if you would please turn with me to Luke 12:42-48. And it says, And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he comes shall find so doing. Of a truth I say to you, that he will make him ruler over all that he has. But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delays his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looks not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him asunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Now, there is much in this set of scriptures, brethren, that can help us become the type of stewards that God will be pleased with, and Mr. Matthews covered these scriptures in detail in a sermon series entitled, Stay Focused. And to better understand this subject or in greater detail, I would encourage you to go back and listen to that sermon series.

But let's take a closer look to begin with here at the definition of the word "steward." From the Oxford Dictionary the word "steward" is defined as "a person who looks after the passengers on a ship, aircraft, or train and brings them meals. It is a person responsible for supplies of food to either a college, a club, or an institution." It can also be "an official appointed to supervise arrangements or keep order at a large public event, for example, like a sporting event." It can also be defined as "a shop steward, someone who oversees things on a construction site," like we had talked about earlier. It's also defined as "a person employed to manage another's property, especially a large house or estate." And I looked this up on Wikipedia just out of interest and it was interesting that I found this, when it said, "Stewardship is an ethic that embodies the responsible planning and management of resources. The concepts of stewardship can be applied to the environment, to economics, health, property, information, and also theology." I found that interesting because that's kind of an area that we're going to zero in on a little bit today.

I also found the history of the term "stewardship," and it stated this. It said that "stewardship was originally made up of the tasks of a domestic steward," and it comes from the Old English word "stīġ" which means "house or hall" and "weard," meaning "to guard or to be a guardian or keeper." So a "steward", "stīġ-weard," steward, guardian, keeper of a house or a hall. And it says this, "Stewardship in the beginning referred to the household servants duties for bringing food and drink to the castles dining hall." And, you know, that's kind of an area we're going to look at as well. It says that, "Stewardship responsibilities were eventually expanded to include everything domestic. It's the service and management of the needs of the entire household. And now, today, stewardship is generally recognized as the acceptance or assignment of responsibility to shepherd and to safeguard the valuables of others."

Obviously, brethren, God has given each of us the responsibility to shepherd and safeguard the valuables that He gives us, His word, His truth, His way of life. We each have a responsibility to help build upon and to safeguard His Temple, His construction site. In many ways, brethren, we are all "under construction" as a part of the household of God. What kind of steward are you?

We are also given the opportunity to engage in the responsible planning and management of various resources, again, God's spirit, God's word, God's truth, God's way of life. And so I would ask, brethren, how are we applying the ethic of stewardship in our own lives?

Now, this message could go into many different directions from here and there are many different areas of life that we are given charge or responsibility over, such as our families, our jobs, our health, the environment around us. There's many different things that we could focus in on, but I want us to consider one area of our personal character, our day to day choices of how we safeguard the valuables God has given us and how we share those valuables with others.

So let's consider personal character a bit more. Herbert W. Armstrong defined "holy, righteous character" in the Mystery of the Ages on page 44, and I'd just like to quote that and quote exactly what he wrote. It's under the title or the heading in the book, "The Supreme Creative Accomplishment." He states: "But there was one super-important quality that even God's creative powers could not create instantly by fiat-- the same perfect, holy, righteous CHARACTER inherent in both God and the Word! This kind of character must be DEVELOPED, by the CHOICE and the INTENT of the one in whom it comes to exist. So mark well this super-vital truism--that perfect, holy and righteous character is the supreme feat of accomplishment possible for God Almighty the Creator--it is also the means to his ultimate supreme PURPOSE! His final objective! But HOW? I repeat, such perfect character must be developed. It requires the free choice and decision of the separate entity in whom it is to be created. But, further, even then it must be instilled by and from the Holy God who, only, has such righteous character to endow. ...Perfect, holy and righteous character is the ability in such separate entity to come to discern the true and right way from the false, to make voluntarily a full and unconditional surrender to God and his perfect way--to yield to be conquered by God--to determine even against temptation or self-desire, to live and to do the right. And even then such holy character is the gift of God. It comes by yielding to God to instill HIS LAW (God's right way of life) within the entity who so decides and wills. Actually, this perfect character comes only from God, as instilled within the entity of his creation, upon voluntary acquiescence, even after severe trial and test."

He says, "I have devoted a few paragraphs to this point because it is the supreme pinnacle means in God's overall PURPOSE!" And that ends the quote from Mystery of the Ages.

So brethren, obviously this holy, righteous character is of vital importance to all of us to seek to have instilled in us by God. And how we choose to exercise our stewardship on a daily basis, of the food, the nourishment, the truth, the way of life of God is of vital importance in how that holy, righteous character is being instilled within us.

Let's go back and take another look at verse 42 of Luke 12, and consider a little more deeply what we are being told. Again, Luke 12:42 it says, Who then is that faithful and wise steward? And that's where the title of this sermon is coming from today. The title of the sermon is A Faithful and Wise Steward.

So let's define a few of the words here real quick. Let's define "faithful." The word "faithful" means "strict or thorough in the performance of a duty." Secondly it means, "true to one’s word, promises, vows, etcetera." And we could say, "covenant," which we made at baptism. Also, it means "steady in allegiance or affection, loyal and constant, reliable, trusted or believed, adhering or true to fact, a standard or an original, to be accurate." It also means "showing or describing something in a way that is exactly correct."

So brethren, I ask: Are we truly faithful when it comes to being in agreement with God and how we share information (the truth, God's way of life) with others? Are we showing or describing something (which is God's truth or His way of life) in a way that is exactly correct? Are we exercising, and therefore, having developed in us holy, righteous character?

Also, let's define the word "wise." "Wise" means "having the power of discerning and judging properly as to what is true or right, possessing discernment, judgement or discretion." That's just one dictionary definition of it.

So let's look again real quickly at the definition of "holy, righteous character," because it is wise to do so. "Perfect, holy, and righteous character," again, as is stated by Mr. Armstrong, "is the ability in such separate entity to come to discern the true and right way from the false, to make voluntarily a full and unconditional surrender to God and His perfect way—to yield to be conquered by God—to determine even against temptation or self-desire to live and to do the right."

So let's consider this definition of "wise" or "wisdom," or what is "wise" in developing holy, righteous character when it comes to the 57 Truths – and in fact all of the information God supplies to us on the Church website. Are we in full agreement with everything that's there? Because as we realize and recognize, it is wise to be in full agreement with God!

Let's go on now in verse 42 of Luke 12. Going on it says, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household. Who's household? Brethren, we ARE the Temple of God! WE are the household of God! WE are where God chooses to dwell. And how do we rule over ourselves, this individual dwelling place for God, this particular household where God dwells? "What is my stewardship?" we could ask ourselves. "How do I feed this household when it comes to God's way of life?" Are we choosing right from wrong and allowing God's nature to be instilled within us? And obviously, brethren, this is the area I want us to consider. This goes hand in hand with all we have been learning from God over the past few months about "remaining under God's government," about being in unity and harmony with all that God has given us. It is a choice we make every day, brethren. It truly is about exercising Godly character, or as Mr. Armstrong put it, holy, righteous character.

Going on in verse 42 we want to define the term "make." What does it mean to "make" when it says that "whom his lord shall make ruler over his household?" The word "make" means "to bring into existence by shaping or changing material or combining parts, such as to make a work of art." That is what God is doing in us. He is making us to rule over His Household. He is shaping and changing our minds. He is shaping and changing who and what we are, how we think, IF we are in agreement with what He gives.

Also, the word "make" means "to produce, to cause to exist or happen, to bring about, as in, like, to 'make trouble' or to 'make war,' 'to make something.'" Also, it means "to cause or to become, to render, as in when we 'make someone happy.'" Again, these are just some of the dictionary definition for the word "make." It also is defined as "to appoint or to name, as in (you know) 'the president made her his special envoy.’" It also means "to put in the proper condition or state." Are we allowing God to make us into something? To make us rule or ruler over a household?

Now let's define the word "ruler." Defining "ruler" — "the ruler is someone who rules or governs, someone who is sovereign." Are we sovereign? Are we rulers over our own household, over our own minds, over our own thinking? Are we allowing God's holy, righteous character to be developed within us? Are we allowing Jesus Christ to make us rulers over our own household, or over His dwelling place?

So let's put it all together here, brethren, and see a little bit better, what we are being given in this scripture. Again, verse 42 could be rendered this way, And the Eternal said, Who then is that faithful (someone showing or describing something in a way that is exactly correct) and wise (having the power to discern and judge properly as to what is true or right, someone possessing discernment, judgement, discretion), a steward (a person employed to manage another's property, especially a large house or estate) whom his lord (meaning Christ) shall make (to bring into existence by shaping or changing, or to appoint or to name) ruler (someone who rules or governs) over his household (that place, that dwelling place), which is, as we know, the Church, or better yet in this case, each one of us individually as dwelling places for God, to give them ("them" meaning "ourselves," our own minds, our own thinking – and other's obviously) their portion of meat (speaking of spiritual food, truth, or the knowledge that God gives us) in due season (meaning, when it is appropriate to do so).

So you can see, brethren, that this really can be applied to what we choose to consume ourselves and what we choose to share with others when it comes to, expressing the truth, sharing the truth, learning the truth, talking to others, sharing with others all of what God has given to us. Are we wise stewards? Are we faithful stewards? Are we faithful and wise stewards?

So, brethren, it is about character. It's about choice. It's about choosing holy, righteous character. It's about making absolutely certain that what we read, study, or accept (or what we share with others) is perfectly correct and in agreement with what God has given through His government.

Let's turn now to Galatians 6:3-10. The apostle Paul writes here, For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teaches in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the spirit shall of the spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: (verse 9) for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have, therefore, opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially them who are of the household of faith. Brethren, when we have opportunity, when someone asks us a question, or when we are in a discussion concerning anything about God's truth or God's way of life, are we reflecting accurately what has been given to us. Are we sharing accurately what has been given to us?

For as it says in verse 7—Be not deceived; God is not mocked; whatever we sow that shall we also reap. Are we sowing, are we learning, are we memorizing, are we ingesting, imbibing of (if you will) what is accurate and true? And we've heard many times, brethren, that, you know, stick to the website. Why do we have any need to go outside the website to look for truth? To look for biblical or religious instruction, when it comes to something like that? It doesn't have to be "religious," but biblical information. We have everything that we need (and we've been told that many times) on the Church website. There is more there than we can truly digest, than we can truly receive until Christ returns.

Let's also, now, turn to Ephesians 4:29, just over a few pages here. Ephesians 4:29, it says, Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. I ask myself, and we should each and every one of us ask ourselves: Is what I am sharing with others going to administer grace to those who hear it? I found it interesting when I looked this up in the Amplified Bible. The Amplified Bible quotes this verse this way; it says, "Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word or unwholesome or worthless talk ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (or God's favor), to those who hear it." Obviously, brethren, we understand that only God's truth, when it comes to His way of life, when it comes to the 57 Truths, when it comes to those things that people are asking about His Church or His word or His way of life, that is what we should share. That is what gives grace or God's favor both to us and to them.

So let's take a look at a few areas to consider whether we are being faithful rulers of our own household, the place where God chooses to dwell. I've just picked out a few selections from the Church website under the "FAQ" section, and I just thought I would go through those and read them. And we can ask ourselves, brethren, as I go through this: Am I in agreement? Do I believe these things? What do I pass along when someone asks me a question?

And in fact, we'll start right there. Under the "FAQ" section, under "Topics," under the heading, "Answering questions—when asked," it says this: "It is good to answer questions about the hope that lies within you when you are asked, but to push upon others what you have learned is not wise. As people see the growing evidence from the thunders and trumpets becoming stronger, then you too can also become stronger in explaining to others why such things are happening. Until then, simply answer questions when you are asked. When asked a question it is good that you direct them to the book 2008 God's Final Witness," and you know where to find that, "and/or to the Church of God-PKG website." Again, we know how to direct them there.

Going on... "At this point in time it is best that you focus on your own spiritual growth by being a student/disciple and learning as much as you can while you still have access to the truth, and in this manner you can grow in greater ability to better help others in the future." We can study, brethren, as it's saying here, to be better stewards, to be faithful and wise stewards when we are asked, when we have opportunity to "give meat to others in due season." I ask you, brethren: How are you preparing for that? Are you allowing holy, righteous character to be developed within you by being as accurate in all of these things as you possibly can?

Another topic that is there under the heading of, "Understanding Scripture," it states this: "Only God can give a person the ability to see the truth and to correctly understand a scripture spiritually. The way God reveals truth to the mind is by the power of His holy spirit. God's spirit is given when a person is called to repentance, has been baptized and had the laying on of hands by a true minister of the Church of God. Therefore, without God's spirit a person cannot come to understand the truth. Without God's spirit, one can only see scriptures in the light of their current false religious understanding and beliefs."

Another section, another topic that is under there... and brethren, I'm just bringing these out so we can evaluate and examine the spiritual food that we are taking in, and obviously that which we are sharing as far as being a steward is concerned, of, you know, when it talks about a steward being "someone who oversees the management of other's resources." These are the resources that God has given us. These are God's resources. How am I as a steward managing these resources?

So the next one I want to take a look at here is the topic under the heading of "Dreams and Visions." And again, we're just doing this to ask ourselves: Am I in agreement? Do I believe that? Am I allowing God's spirit to make me, to change, to transform me into a steward who is able then to reflect accurately the truth that He has given me?

So, "Dreams and Visions," it says this: "The Bible reveals that in times past servants of God were given visions and dreams for specific reasons and to convey a special message. Today, God speaks to His people through the Bible and His true ministry. Most visions and dreams that people have are simply caused by mental or physical stress (and you can read that in Eccl 5:3). Sometimes Satan can cause a dream, vision or emotional sensation.

When someone has a dream, vision or a physical sensation, they are just that, a dream, vision or physical sensation. One should not read into these dreams, visions or experiences that God is involved or that He is communicating to them, as He is not. God does not work this way. God teaches the truth through His ministry and reveals the truth to a person's mind by the power of His holy spirit."

Brethren, I can remember a time, when I was 16; I had a very powerful dream and for a long time I had believe that God had been giving me a message to help me to focus and to stay in the Church. And it wasn't until after God had awakened me and brought me into the Church of God—PKG, awakened me out of the sleep that I had fallen into through the time of the Apostasy, that I had to come to the place where I realized that that wasn't true. God wasn't speaking to me. God wasn't using that dream for my spiritual benefit in any way, and I had to go back and acknowledge that if for any reason that dream was being inspired by anyone, that it was being inspired by an evil spirit and not by God. And that was a tough thing for me to come to at that...you know, when I was first being called or awakened. But I have come to accept that because I'm being told, that I receive and accepted, that's not how God is working today. I've had to come to accept that. I've had to fight that battle myself! And so if any of you out there have had those kinds of things, consider it, consider what God is telling us in this particular topic.

I just put that out there, brethren, for, you know, we come across that from time to time, people who have had dreams and they may mention them whenever they write in to us.

The next topic that I'd like for us to consider is the one of "Conspiracy Theories," and I'm just going to read this as it is on the website under the "Topic" section. "Conspiracy Theories," it says: "There are many conspiracy theories in the world. They allege that the bankers, the Jews, the CFR, the Trilateral Commission, Illuminati, Masons, Bilderbergers, the Order, and/or any number of other groups are conspiring to control or take over the world.

The Church of God does not believe a person will benefit from studying into such conspiracy writings or theories. These theories (and they are just that, theories) contradict both Biblical prophecy and historical facts. They appear to be the devices of Satan as they offer supposed "hidden" knowledge by which people are led away from God's truth. Studying these theories is a waste of valuable time that should be spent in studying God's word - the truth. By focusing in on what is true, one will reveal the error of man's ways.

Indeed, "power centers" do exist within business, political, and economic organizations around the world. All segments of our society are subject and responsible for their national woes, sickness, and immorality. The one behind it all is the master deceiver, Satan the devil, whose goal it is to thwart the plan of God. And as it says in Rev 12:9, "So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him."

But the bottom line is that there is no government, organization, or secret group that will succeed in controlling events in this world in order to bring about any lasting change that they seek to accomplish through their efforts. The truth is, we are at the very end of man's self-rule on this earth, and even Satan's rule is about to end. Nothing and no one can stop this from taking place!"

Again, brethren, are we in agreement? Do we believe "the present truth"? Do we believe what God has told us about this particular subject? And are we going to reflect accurately that which God has taught us?

Going on, the next topic that I'd like to read from under the "Topics" section is that of birthdays under the heading, "Birthdays - Understanding," and it says this: "Due to the differing teachings of churches, there is often confusion about the observance of birthdays.

For many families, a birthday is a natural time to remember the beginning of someone's life. People naturally remember the date of their birth. There is nothing wrong with recognizing such important times, just as someone would remember important anniversaries (such as marriage). Remembering such occasions and acknowledging them is natural and good. It is good to express (whether verbally or written in cards or letters) love and gratitude toward others. However, sometimes people have had a tendency to carry things too far when it comes to some matters of celebration.

Some people celebrate, and sin in doing so, when excessive alcohol is consumed or underage drinking has occurred. Matters of sexual immorality, drunkenness, and other improper conduct are sometimes associated with different kinds of celebration. This is obviously wrong.

The only caution in the celebration of birthdays is that yearly parties should not be conducted for children (or even adults) where many are invited and often times gifts are expected to be given. Such celebrations that include a kind of "party" environment often teach the way of "get," selfishness, and unwarranted "expectations" from others. It is often better to recognize special milestones in life in "special ways" when more recognition is given than at other times. For example, a milestone at age 13 (when someone becomes a teenager), age 21, and later in life "the big 50." This is similar to the spirit that might be involved in recognizing a 25th or 50th wedding anniversary. The milestones are different according to individuality and personal choice. There is no right or wrong in such matters.

There is nothing wrong with having a special meal or even a cake made for the special occasion of an anniversary. It is perfectly fine to participate in any celebration that expresses right standards. Such celebrations might include birthdays, anniversaries, national holidays and many personal occasions, such as celebrating a graduation. Such things are a matter of personal choice based on the spirit of the matter."

Again, brethren, we should ask ourselves: Am I in agreement with this? Because I know, even for me personally, it was difficult for me to accept birthdays, because having grown up around God's Church as a child, you know, we were taught that birthdays were wrong. And so, you know, I had to have my thinking corrected on that particular topic. So I just ask each one of us to consider that as well.

Another topic that has been on my mind, and a couple of topics that are here that have been on my mind here recently—and some of you will know why. Anyway, the next one is that of "Dating." And it states this, it says, "The Church of God encourages single people to follow spiritual principles when dating. Some of these principles include the following: avoid the appearance of evil (meaning, do not give others the idea that you could be sinning), avoid placing yourself or the other person in a position that could cause you or them personal temptation, dress in a moderate way so as not to provoke attention. It is always best to meet and enjoy each others' company in a public forum. The Church of God always encourages group dating so that a person can interact with everyone.

The practice of "living together" and/or having a sexual relationship before marriage is sin. Such fornication only produces wrong results in the lives of such people who practice it. Genuine happiness, trust, faithfulness, and true unity can never be reached by such practices that conflict with the laws of God."

Going on, the next one here (that really is close to me right now) is that of marriage. Under the topic of "Marriage," it says this: "A marital union involves one of the most important decisions a person will make in their entire lifetime. Therefore, marriage should not be entered into hastily, but with sound planning and consideration. When contemplating any marriage one must consider personality, intellect, cultural background, upbringing, character, financial habits, and even views on such matters as child rearing. The most important thing to consider is the person's religious beliefs. In short, a wise marriage is one in which each partner complements, rather than competes with the other.

Due to some cultures and religions that have racial bias, it needs to be stated that the Church of God does not view interracial marriage as sin."

So, I ask again, brethren: Are we in agreement with all that we have just gone through? When we discuss such issues with anyone, do we reflect the accurate teaching of God's Church on these matters? Do we provide them with "meat in due season" when we have opportunity to do so? Or do we complain? Do we undermine the teaching of God? Do we speak words that are not in agreement? Do we say things like, "Well, that's just a man's opinion," or are we faithful and wise stewards? Are we faithful with the information, the truth, the knowledge that God has given us?

You know, when we were called by God and we came to the point of baptism we entered into a covenant relationship with God and Christ, and we said we would be faithful to put them first in our lives.

If you would turn with me to Luke 14, and let's take a look at the commitment that we realize that we have made to God and Jesus Christ when we entered in at baptism. Luke 14:26-33, and it says—If any man come to me, and hate not, and we know that that is meaning "to love less by comparison," but to hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yes, even his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whosoever does not bear his own stake, and come after Me, cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sits not down first, and counts the cost, whether he has sufficient to finish it? Lest happily, after he has laid the foundation and is not able to finish this building, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and we may say here, "This man was a steward over a particular project," but he was not able to finish it. Or what king, that makes war against another king, sits not down first, and consults whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him that comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, sends an massage, and desires conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsakes not all that he has, he cannot be My disciple.

So brethren, let's be willing to forsake all that we have, all of our old beliefs, all of the old baggage that we bring into God's Church with us, all of our old thoughts and ideas and our former understanding of religious beliefs or teachings, or whatever it may be. Let's be willing to forsake that and let God make us to be rulers over our own household.

So let's continue to count the cost of building this great building, this dwelling place of our creator, and make sure that we have sufficient to finish it. God will give us what we need if we willingly yield to what He is doing in our lives.

You know, Wayne Matthews quoted in a sermon here a while back, in a sermon Stay Focused – Part 2. He said that "great gifts come from God and they carry great responsibility." God has given us the great gift, the great opportunity to have His holy spirit, to have His truth revealed to us Sabbath by Sabbath, Holy Day to Holy Day. God shares His truth, His righteous way of thinking with us. What do we do with it, brethren? Are we in agreement? Are we faithful and wise to recount those things exactly as God has given them to us?

Turn with me, if you will, to Hebrews 2. We're just going to pick up one verse here. Hebrews 2:1 says—Therefore, we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. Let's not allow that, brethren. Let's not allow the truths that God has given us, the great spiritual food, the valuables, the resources that God has provided to each and every one of us on the Church website, the 57 Truths, all of the related truths that go along with it, let's not allow them to slip from us, brethren. Let's make sure that we are faithfully recounting those things any time we have opportunity to share that with someone else.

So in conclusion, brethren, as God has called us into this great building project—for He is building His Family, it is all about Elohim, and that greatest accomplishment, the bringing us into His Family has everything to do with holy, righteous character, and that is what we are striving to allow Him to develop within us by choosing to rightly reflect His way of life, by correctly and accurately expressing the same truth that we have had revealed to us, making sure that we are responsible in what we share with others.

He has given each one of us the responsibility of stewardship. And as a good steward, let's each and every one of us work to build up and to protect what He is doing.

So finally, let's be reminded one more time of Luke 12:42 (you don't have to turn there); just going to go back to the same definition that we came to better understand today when we added the extra definitions in there. Luke 12:42; it can be stated this way; And the Eternal said, Who then is that faithful (someone showing or describing something in a way that is exactly correct) and wise (having the power of discerning and judging properly as to what is true or right, possessing discernment, judgement, or discretion), steward (a person employed to manage another's property, especially a large house or estate) whom his lord (as we know, Christ) shall make (to appoint or to name) ruler (someone who rules or governs) over his household (the dwelling place of God) to give them their portion of meat (the knowledge and truth God has given to us) in due season.

It's about choice, brethren. It's about choosing holy, righteous character. So, let's all be faithful and wise stewards.□