Being a Steward

A steward manages God's gifts for God's purposes.

God gives us time, talents, and treasures not just for us to enjoy, but for us to share with others. We trust that by giving back to Him all the resources He has given to us, He will use them to transform the world for the good of others and for His glory.

As disciples, we choose to embrace our role as stewards. A steward is someone who supervises, manages, and looks after property or resources on behalf of the owner. In our case, God is the Creator and Owner of everything we see, and we are managing the resources that He has entrusted to us. Everything we have belongs to Him - our time, talents, and treasures - and we should seek to carefully and responsibly manage what He gives us to further His kingdom, spread the gospel, and bring God glory.  

"Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen."
1 Peter 4:10-11 CSB

These verses clearly show that God takes our time, talents, and treasures, as well as how we use them, very seriously. Even the Apostle Paul saw himself as a steward of the gospel! Being a steward of God’s resources also helps us grow in generosity, which makes us more like Christ.  We give because God gave us everything. Good stewards of God’s gifts are glad-hearted in their generosity, trusting God to provide for every good work.

Ask yourself these questions: What gifts has God placed in my life for me to manage?
What is an area in my life that I could do a better job of managing for God’s glory?

• Is it giving of your money?
• Is it serving and using your time?
• Is it taking better care of your health and the body God has given you?
• Is it leveraging your marriage for God’s glory?

The bottom line is this: everything we have is a gift from God, and we have the incredible gift and opportunity to use those gifts to glorify God. Ask God where you need to grow, and ask for His help. You can do it, and you’ll be blessed by the results!