Who is the wise and trustworthy agent?
The lecture focuses on the meaning of spiritual stewardship, stating that the human being owns nothing in this world, for God is the true Owner of all things, while humans are only stewards over their lives, money, talents, bodies, and everything entrusted to them.
🕊 The Spiritual Dimension in the Coptic Orthodox Faith
Pope Shenouda III explains that stewardship requires faithfulness and wisdom in everything God has granted, and that each person will give an account of his stewardship before God. This stewardship includes:
1. Stewardship over life and the soul
Life does not belong to the human because it is created by God and redeemed by His blood; therefore any harm or neglect contradicts faithfulness.
2. Stewardship over the body and spirit
The body and spirit are divine gifts, and a person must use them in what glorifies God, avoiding anything that harms or corrupts them.
3. Stewardship over money
Money is not truly owned by the person; it is a trust used according to God’s will, and a person is judged if he is stingy, wasteful, or unjust in using what he was entrusted with.
4. Stewardship over talents and the mind
Every talent—such as intellect, wisdom, skill, beauty, or strength—is a gift from God, meant to be used for good and in a pure intention.
5. Stewardship in ministry and teaching
Ministry is not ownership, and the priest, teacher, and servant are all stewards who must deliver God’s word faithfully, without deviation or self–glorification.
📌 Practical Message
Pope Shenouda calls every person to live with the awareness that he is a steward of God, using all he has for God’s glory and the good of others, ready for the day when God will ask:
“Give Me an account of your stewardship.”
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