Stewardship

Understanding Stewardship

1. Ownership Belongs to God:
   • Stewardship begins with the understanding that God is the owner of everything, and we are merely stewards or managers.
   • “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world, and they that dwell therein.” (Psalm 24:1)
   • “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.” (James 1:17)
2. Stewardship and Accountability:
   • As stewards, Christians are accountable to God for how they manage what He has entrusted to them, including their time, abilities, finances, and relationships.
   • “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:12)
   • “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2)
3. Stewardship as Worship:
   • Stewardship is an aspect of worship, where we reflect God’s character by using His resources for His purposes and to extend His love to others.
   • “whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; ²⁴ knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24)

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Biblical Principles of Stewardship

1. Faithfulness in Small Things:

• Faithful stewardship starts with being trustworthy in everyday matters, no matter how small they may seem.
• “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” (Luke 16:10)

2. Generosity and Blessing Others:

• Stewardship includes using resources to serve others, especially those in need, and to advance the kingdom of God.
• “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
• “Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase.” (Proverbs 3:9)

3. Planning and Investing Wisely:

• Wise money management and careful planning are part of good stewardship.
• “The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.” (Proverbs 21:5)
• “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.” (Proverbs 21:20)

4. Stewarding Time:

• Time is a gift from God, and Christians are called to use it wisely, focusing on things that have eternal significance.
• “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, ¹⁶ redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
• “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)

5. Using Talents to Serve:

• Christians are entrusted with spiritual gifts and talents to serve one another and glorify God in all they do.
• “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10)
• “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

 

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Practical Guidelines for Practicing Stewardship

1. Acknowledge God’s Ownership:
   Begin by recognizing that everything you have belongs to God, and you are called to manage it according to His will.
2. Create a Stewardship Plan:
   • Budget your financial resources to prioritize generosity, savings, and wise spending.
   • Schedule your time to include daily devotion, service to others, rest, and meaningful work.
   • Assess your talents and gifts and find specific ways to use them to glorify God in ministry, volunteering, or other endeavors.
3. Give Cheerfully and Sacrificially:
   Incorporate tithing or giving regularly into your lifestyle as an act of worship and faith.
   • “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” (Malachi 3:10)
4. Practice Contentment:
   • Avoid greed or the desire for excessive wealth, focusing on gratitude for what God has provided.
   • “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.’” (Hebrews 13:5)
5. Align Priorities with Eternal Goals:
   • Evaluate how your life currently reflects God’s kingdom priorities. Ask yourself regularly whether your time, resources, and efforts are being focused on eternal purposes.
   • “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: ²⁰ but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19-20)
6. Model Stewardship to Others:
   • Be an example of faithful stewardship in your community, encouraging others to live similarly, and teach the next generation the importance of managing God’s resources well.

Encouragement for Stewardship

Practicing stewardship may seem overwhelming, but God’s grace is with Christians as they strive to be faithful stewards. The reward is not only eternal but also involves the joy and satisfaction of living a Christ-centered life.

• “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” (2 Corinthians 9:6)
• “His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.’” (Matthew 25:23)

 

By applying the biblical principles outlined above, Christians grow in their relationship with God, contribute to the well-being of others, and glorify God in all they do. Successful stewardship is a reflection of faithfulness, love, and trust in the Lord.