In centuries past, when a ruler or other powerful leader had to be absent, the person appointed as steward exercised the power and authority to govern all the material possessions, of the master. The greater the possessions of the owner, the greater the responsibility of the steward. Each of our lives - our very existence - is a gift from God. When we die, we must render an account to the Lord for all we have done with His gifts to us and return to the possession of the King the treasure we carry in "earthen vessels" (2 Corinthians 4:7).