By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Bishop, Diocese of Nike (Anglican Communion), The Right Reverend Dr. Christian Onyeka Onyia, has advised Christians to exhibit faithfulness and generosity during the yuletide.

In a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Professor Chiwuike Uba and made available to newsmen in Enugu on Friday, Onyia said it is easy to get carried away by the festivities and materialism of the season, but we must remind ourselves of the deeper meaning behind our blessings and the need to be faithful stewards.

He said the Christmas season serves as a timely opportunity for leaders to reflect, repent, and recommit to the path of faithful stewardship.

The statement read: "As the world celebrates the joy and hope that Christmas brings, it is crucial for political, religious, business, traditional, and community leaders to pause and reflect on the profound responsibility entrusted to them as stewards of their positions and resources.

In a world dominated by consumerism and often celebrates individualism and self-gratification, stewardship stands as a profound reminder of our interconnectedness and responsibility towards God and our fellow beings.

?The role of a steward goes beyond mere servanthood; it entails being trustworthy, faithful, obedient, loyal, and respectful to the master who has entrusted much to our care. This responsibility is not to be taken lightly, for during God?s judgment day, our faithfulness as stewards will be of utmost importance.

In Luke 12:42-43, Jesus provides a powerful illustration of stewardship: ?And the Lord said, ?Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food In due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.?

This biblical passage emphasizes the virtues of faithfulness and wisdom that a steward must embody in carrying out their responsibilities.

?Faithfulness, obedience, loyalty, and respect are the cornerstones of stewardship. These virtues are not just arbitrary standards set by society but are deeply rooted in the belief that we are ultimately accountable to God for how we manage what we have been given. Proverbs 20:6 reminds us, ?Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find??

?Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 4:2, the Apostle Paul reminds us of the essence of stewardship: ?Moreover, it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.? This underscores the imperative for us to be faithful in all aspects of our stewardship, whether it be in managing resources, relationships, time, or talents.

?For Christians, the ultimate test of stewardship lies in our faithfulness to God. As stewards of His blessings, we are called to use our resources not solely for personal gain but for the betterment of others and the advancement of His kingdom. Philippians 2:21 aptly captures this sentiment, ?For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.?

?As the renowned philosopher Mahatma Gandhi once said, ?The world has enough for everyone?s needs, but not everyone?s greed.? This quote encapsulates the essence of stewardship ? using resources wisely and sharing them generously with others.

?During this Christmas holiday season, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, it is imperative to reflect on our roles as stewards of God?s gifts.

?It is easy to get carried away by the festivities and materialism of the season, but we must remind ourselves of the deeper meaning behind our blessings and the need to be faithful stewards.?

He added: "In the book of Luke 12:48, it is written, ?From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.?

?This powerful reminder echoes the essence of stewardship ? that with privilege comes great responsibility. Leaders are not only accountable to those they serve but also to the divine authority that bestowed upon them their roles.

?The dangers of unfaithfulness in stewardship are grave. When leaders prioritize personal gain, exploit their power, oppress the vulnerable, or sow division and discord, they betray the trust bestowed upon them.

?Proverbs 11:3 states, ?The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.? The repercussions of unfaithful stewardship are not only temporal but eternal in nature.

?Leaders must remember that their actions hold eternal consequences. Whether in politics, business, religion, traditions, or community affairs, every decision made impacts lives and shapes destinies. It is imperative for leaders to use their positions and resources for the betterment of society, uplifting the marginalized, and promoting unity and goodwill among all.

?The call to faithful stewardship stands as a beacon of light amidst the darkness of greed, corruption, and oppression that plague our world. Leaders who misuse their power to advance personal agendas at the expense of others will face divine judgment. Proverbs 16:11 declares, ?Honest scales and balances are from the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of his making.?

?This Christmas season serves as a timely opportunity for leaders to reflect, repent, and recommit to the path of faithful stewardship.

?Let us use this period of celebration to seek forgiveness for past wrongs, to mend broken relationships, and to vow to uphold the values of integrity, honesty, and compassion in all our endeavors.

?Also, Christmas is a time of giving, sharing, and reflecting on the ultimate gift of love that God bestowed upon us through His Son. As stewards, we are called to emulate this love by sharing our blessings with others who are in need. Proverbs 11:25 echoes this sentiment:

?A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.? Just as the wise men brought gifts to the Infant Jesus, let us also share our blessings with others, spreading love and kindness to those in need. Galatians 6:2 highlights the essence of sharing, ?Carry each other?s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.?

?We must remember that everything we have ? whether it be material possessions, talents, time, or relationships ? is a gift from God, entrusted to us for a purpose. How we use these gifts reflects our faithfulness as stewards.

?As the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 illustrates, God expects us to multiply and invest the blessings He has given us, rather than burying them out of fear or complacency.

?As we gather with family and friends during this Christmas season, let us not lose sight of our stewardship responsibilities. Let us be faithful in managing God?s gifts, generous in sharing with others, and mindful of the ultimate accountability we will face at the end of our lives.

?Remember, we are not owners but mere caretakers of the treasures entrusted to us. May our stewardship be a testament to our love for God and our fellow beings. Happy stewarding this Christmas! Happy 2025.?

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