Torch, Summer 1985

14 SILVIUS continued from page 13 of all, he has many opportunities to minister to the poor of this world, whether they are rich in material wealth or not. "He hath shewed thee, 0 man , what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly , and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (Micah 6 :8). To the reader who has been challenged to examine the quality of his or her own stewardship of the enviroment , we suggest that the Word of God be prayerfully studied. In addition to passages cited herein, note the references listed below. As you read , allow God to search your own heart and life. Do you love the Creator above all other things? Do you love His creation as He loves it? Do you understand your role in the created order - the impact your stewardship can have on others? And do you serve the Master or materialism? The following references offer additional instruction and practical suggestions for applying these principles to your life in today's world. Bible references: Exodus 23: 10-11; Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteron– omy 14:28-29; Matthew 25 :14-46; Ephesians 4:28 ; James 2:14-17; I John 3:16- 17 . Extrabiblical references: Elsdon, R. 1981. Bent World . InterVarsity Press. Downers Grove, IL Longacre, D. J. 1980. Living More with Less. Herald Press. Scottsdale, PA . Schaeffer, P .A . 1970. Pollution and the Death ofMan. Tyndale. Wheaton, IL Wilkinson, L., et al. 1980. Earthkeeping: Christian Stewardship ofNatural Resources. Eerdmans. Grand Rapids , MI. Dr. John E. Sil vius is Associate Professor of Biology at Cedarville College. He com– pleted his Ph.D. at West Virginia Un iver– sity and was chosen Cedarv ille College Facul ty Member of the Year in 1984. He is currently writing a college level biology textbook . CLARK continued from page 5 when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you , that he will make him ruler over all that he hath" (Luke 12:42-44) . Readiness to perform assigned tasks is of exceptionally high priority to our Lord . This readiness involves a recognition of the task, of our need to prepare for it, of our responsibility toward it, and of our ability by grace to do it. Sometimes we are far more ready with excuses than with preparation. Jesus then contrasted the faithful and wise steward with the unjust servant who, ignoring accountability, squandered his resources to satisfy his own lusts. This one soon lost his stewardship, having proven himself rebellious against his lord, his own abilities, and his colleagues. Carelessness, neglect, and apathy likewise deny the vital elements of stewardship (Luke 12:45-48). Jesus then summarized: "Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and unto whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more" (Luke 12:48). Faithfulness is individually defined. We do not have the same gifts as others, and our specific responsibilities consequently vary. One of the quickest routes to discouragement and unfaithfulness is through comparing our gifts and responsibilities with our neighbors'. Focusing on these differences , we may use what we do not have as an excuse for failing to use what we do have. Diligence in exercising our gifts will bring rewards, some of which may be financial. Our stewardship quite naturally then extends to these fruits of earlier faithfulness. One reward for responsibility is more responsibility , indicating advancement in the Lord's evaluation of our reliability (Matthew 25: 14-30). Faithful development and use of our gifts must ultimately focus outside ourselves. "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" (I Peter 4: 10). God's many-faceted grace becomes evident when Christians use their varied grace-gifts to meet each other's differing needs . While God could meet these needs without any human involvement, He has chosen to invest His grace in His people so that mutual sharing further glorifies Him. STEWARDSHIP AND FAITHFULNESS " ... it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful " (1 Corinthians 4 :2). Requirements can be threatening and faithfulness demanding. We may fear that we will not measure up . We may consequently resent our stewardship relationship with God. But God grants gifts and talents to bring joy and fulfillment to our lives. His instructions for their use underscore our responsibility but are not given as threats. We sense God's favor when we realize that He has placed the gifts in our lives as evidence of His grace to us. We feel honored that He trusts us to discover, develop , and prayerfully use these talents for the good of others whom He also loves . We are encouraged when we understand that His grace gives us the energy and opportunities to use our talents . We find that faithfulness in using our gifts leads to the deeper discovery of what God has implanted in us. We can honestly get excited about our future when we understand our roles as stewards. Our joy is full as we see the results of faithfulness producing benefits for ourselves, for others, and for the kingdom of God. ------. Dr. Martin E. Clark is Vice President for Deve lopment at Cedarv ille Coll ege. A graduate of Bob Jones University, he earned his Ed.D. from Virgi ni a Po lytechn ic Insti– tute and State University . He pastored two churc hes, and served as Director of Coun– seling and Director or Plan ning at Cedar– vi lle . He is the author of one book , co– author or another, and has written numerous articles.