The Heart of Stewardship

Stewardship is a foundational aspect of our faith, encompassing how we use our time, talents, and treasures in service to God and others. At its core, stewardship is about managing what God has entrusted to us, recognizing that everything we have belongs to Him. This series explores how we can faithfully steward all that God has given us to honor Him, promote His kingdom, and allow both His creation and our neighbors to flourish.

The Bible speaks extensively about stewardship. From the very beginning, God entrusted humanity with the care of the earth and its creatures (Genesis 1:28). In 1 Peter 4:10, we are reminded that "each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." This passage highlights that the blessings given to us are not solely for our own benefit, but first and foremost for the service of others and for God's glory. Additionally, in Luke 12:48, Jesus teaches, “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 verse reiterates the responsibility we have in managing what God has provided. In Ephesians 5:15-16, the Apostle Paul also calls us to live wisely, encouraging us to use our time intentionally to fulfill God's purposes.

Stewardship goes beyond material wealth; it includes how we manage our time, abilities, and resources. The goal is not to simply consume, but to invest our blessings in ways that honor God’s creation, contribute to the flourishing of our communities, and ultimately, glorify God Himself. In doing so, we are called to reflect God’s generosity and love, seeking not our own benefit but the well-being of those around us. As Jesus said in Matthew 25:40, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Our stewardship is ultimately an act of worship and a tangible expression of love for God and neighbor.

Additionally, stewardship is not about following a prescribed formula; it is about responding to God's call in our individual lives. The way we steward our time, talents, and resources will vary according to our unique circumstances and the roles we play in God’s story. Whether we are in the marketplace, at home, or serving in a ministry, stewardship looks different for each person. The heart of stewardship, however, remains the same: to manage what God has given us with faithfulness and to use it in ways that honor Him and advance His kingdom.

Our hope is that, through these reflections in this series, we will not only be inspired to faithfully manage what God has entrusted to us, but also be challenged to grow in our stewardship, continually seeking to improve and refine how we live out this calling.