1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. KJV
WHAT GOD ENTRUSTED TO US- LIFE .
As stewards, we need to examine those things God entrusted to us. The very first thing God entrusted to our care is our whole life. Man has a material and immaterial part. The material part is the body while the immaterial part is known as soul or spirit.
Hebraic scholars believe man is essentially body and soul. Often, we see this expressed severally in the bible especially old testament and the Gospels. Paul futher separated the immaterial part of man to spirit and soul. Those who believe in the former and latter are saying the same thing. Man has a material and immaterial body.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Paul revealed to us the tripartite nature of man saying, "Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again."(1 Thessalonians 5:23 NLT). Man is a spirit, with a soul residing in a body.
With our bodies, we make contact with the physical world around us. The bible calls our body the temple of the living: "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN;"(1 Corinthians 6:19). That body of yours is not yours, it is for the Lord. That's why fornication is sin against the body according to Paul.
We are stewards of our bodies and we shall give account to God on how we use it. God's expectation is that we use our bodies to do His will: "Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin..."(Romans 6:13). Our bodies should be used as instruments of righteousness. In addition, we are meant to maintain it properly with good food, rest and exercise.
Our soul is the seat of our mind, will and emotions. This is where we think, reason and decide what to do. The body only execute what has been decided in the soulish realm. Our mind (a major component of the soul) should be subject to renewal daily through the word: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God"(Romans 12:2).
Whatever we do with our soul shall be accounted to God because idle words which proceed from the thoughts in our minds shall be accounted for: "And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak"(Mt 12:36).
To use your soul as intended by God, adhere to this Pauline admonition: "Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts"( Colossians 3:16).
Our spirit is the link with divinity. When God speaks, He speaks to our spirits because He is spirit( John 4:24). We are to avoid whatever can contaminate our spirits: "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God"( 2 Corinthians 7:1 KJV). Wrong knowledge especially along the lines of mysticism can corrupt the spirit.
Your whole life( spirit, soul and body) is the first thing God entrusted into your care as a steward. Take care of it because you'll account for it.
Father, I receive the grace to care for my whole life as intended as a steward in Jesus name.