JOSEPH, Generational Thinking (Stewardship)

There was once a man lost in the desert, parched and on the brink of despair. Stumbling upon a small shack, he found a water pump alongside a jug of water and a note. The note instructed: “Pour all the water into the top of the pump to prime it. If you do this, you will get all the water you need.”

The man faced a choice: drink the water for immediate satisfaction or risk pouring it into the pump, hoping for abundant water but knowing he might end up with nothing. After hesitating, he took the risk and poured the water into the pump. At first, nothing happened, but as he persisted, water began to flow—enough to quench his thirst, bathe, and fill every container he had.

This story reflects the difference between living for immediate gratification and thinking generationally. Too often, we consume the “water” meant to prime the pump for future blessings, making excuses along the way. Some nations and individuals sell off their natural resources or squander their opportunities, failing to think beyond the present.

God’s principle of stewardship calls us to a higher standard. One day, as I lay in bed, the Lord asked me, “Do you want a house?”

I almost responded instinctively, but I paused, knowing His wisdom. He continued, “He who is faithful over another man’s business will be given his own.”

This encounter made me reflect deeply: How do I treat what belongs to others—my spiritual life, relationships, finances, work, and even my nation?

Observing the stewardship culture in Norway taught me a profound lesson. Houses from the 1900s are still lived in today because they’ve been maintained and passed down to future generations. Stewardship isn’t just a cultural value; it’s a reflection of God’s expectation for us.

Many of us live in borrowed spaces—houses, jobs, or positions—and handle them carelessly, yet we expect God to bless us with our own. We cut corners, cheat in our workplaces, and fail to treat responsibilities with the diligence they deserve. How can we expect God to entrust us with more when we’ve proven unfaithful with the little we’ve been given?

The Bible defines stewardship as the ethical and responsible management of all resources God provides for His glory and the betterment of His creation. Joseph exemplified this. Sold into slavery and betrayed by his family, he didn’t let his circumstances dictate his faithfulness. In Potiphar’s house, Joseph worked with such integrity that everything he touched prospered. His faithfulness was a testament to God’s presence, even in the house of an unbeliever.

Likewise, God commanded the Israelites in Babylonian exile to build houses, plant gardens, and work for the prosperity of their captors (Jeremiah 29:5-7). Despite being slaves, they were charged with stewardship. If slaves could manage resources and responsibilities faithfully, how much more should free men and women honor God in their daily lives?

Charles Bugg describes stewardship as "utilizing and managing all resources God provides for the glory of God and the betterment of His creation." The difference between nations like Norway and many others often lies in stewardship, not resources. While some squander opportunities, others think generationally, planning and managing for the future.

Joseph’s story reminds us that stewardship is about more than personal gain; it’s about being faithful with what God entrusts to us. His ability to plan and store grain during the years of abundance ensured not only Egypt’s survival but also the welfare of future generations. What are you doing today to ensure that those who come after you will have what they need?

The gospel extends beyond personal salvation; it includes stewardship of every area of life. Are you treating what you’ve been given—time, resources, relationships, and opportunities—with the care and faithfulness they deserve?