Give an Account of thy Stewardship.
By A. W. Gould
The office of a steward is one of responsibility on account of the interests of others over which he has charge, and because his work is to be inspected. But few, comparatively, are qualified for this calling. Only persons of sound judgment, energy and perseverance, will succeed in it. In the providence of God, man is chosen to be a steward of the King of kings. The command is: “Son, go work to-day in my vineyard.” None in this service are exempt from labor. He apportions to his subjects the place he wishes them to fill, and the reward is made sure to the faithful laborer. Most overlook the future recompense, and so only make sure of what they can gain in this state of existence. Perhaps they never take into account the fact that they have no hold on eternal life, as that was forfeited in the garden of Eden. Hence, they do not realize that the reward of “eternal life,” which is promised to those who, “by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality,” so far surpasses every earthly consideration that no obstacle should hinder them in its pursuit. Obedience to the Master's requirements is indispensable. Those who think they may vary from the principles God has given, need only refer to the experiences of those who have disobeyed his rules, and marked out paths of their own. He says that he is “a jealous God;” Ex. 20: 5; and that he “is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness.” 2 Pet. 3: 9. It requires the exercise of all our energies to serve “the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God.” None need fear “to do any thing that will bring honor, and glory to Him, though the act be despised by the world.” He who is so exact as to reward the donor for “a cup of water only in the name of a disciple,” will keep a record of words calculated to encourage and help others, and also of words designed to detract from and cut off the influence of others. A very essential quality for one who is called to deal with minds is self-control. “Know thyself,” is now, as it has ever been an important lesson. And next to nothing can be accomplished without virtue. Humility, too, stands high on the list of Christian graces, although it is not easily attained; and selfishness must be eradicated, if we would render to God acceptable service. In many cases, the followers of Immanuel have to pass through fiery ordeals in order to gain these virtues, and be fitted for duty. He chooses and prepares “the poor of this world rich in faith;” and those who imitate the example given, and realize the importance of the work, will be successful. It is not necessary that persons should be destitute in order to be heirs of the kingdom. In many cases, the cause of poverty is lack of judgment. It cannot be supposed that individuals thus constituted are especially regarded. But the word says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit. . . . Blessed are the pure in heart.” Those who esteem others better than themselves are the chosen. All who engage in the service of God, will be thoroughly tested. The rich and the poor must alike submit to the King's requisitions. He disciplines all whom he will welcome within those pearly gates. The majority are so interested in their surroundings that they will not be willing to follow the Leader in the cross-bearing way. But some will keep the commandments to whom it will be said, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” and such will be permitted to see the city in its richness, and to join in the loud anthem of praise to the King in his beauty. A. W. GOULD.