“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Know that the Holy Spirit is in you!
Romans 8:11“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”
Definition of Stewardship ⤵
Stewardship refers to the responsible management and protection of something; especially natural resources, assets or financial resources for future generations. Responsibility Christians have are to responsibly manage and make use of the gifts that God has given them.
Biblical Display’s of Stewardship ⤵
Joseph in the book of Genesis. "Genesis 37 & Genesis 39”
Jesus and his teachings. Book of Matthew to see the ministry and life of Jesus.
Adam. How he tended to the Garden of Eden and creatures of the earth.
God entrusts us with his creation and he wants to help us manage it wisely and faithfully. The Parable of Talents in Matthew 25:14-30; is a great example of the how God wants us to help.
Some of the key lessons that emerge from this Parable are:
Take initiative and be diligent — nothing is gained if no action is taken.
Take risks (by faith) and trust God with the outcome.
Be ready to give an account of your work.
Life is about rewards and consequences — and each are largely based on our actions.
As stewards, we are responsible for using our time, talents and treasures in way that align with God’s purposes and bring him glory. This includes caring for creation, supporting the church, helping those in need (lacking in Spirit), and using our abilities to serve others. Stewardship also includes accountability; see Romans 14:12, Matthew 25:14-30 & 2 Corinthians 5:10
Questions to Reflect on ⤵
Do you prioritize the things that are most important to Jesus, or the things that are most urgent?
Do you coast on your natural strengths, or do you work diligently to build healthy habits?
While reflecting on these questions during a personal bible study, the following scripture in the book of Matthew helped with providing answers.
Matthew 22:36-40 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Jesus’ most important teaching is Love. Love God, Love your neighbor, Love the person who cut you off, Love the birds, Love the plants, etc. This is his GREATEST commandment! Other important teachings from Jesus included; Serving others humbly, Compassion for the needy, Forgiveness, Following Jesus and Repentance and Belief.
Wise Stewardship Involves, but not limited to ⤵
Prioritizing God: Honoring Him first in our financial decisions and other resources.
Planning and Budgeting.
Investing in Eternity: Using our resources to make much of Jesus and to point other to Him — things that have eternal significance.
Our gifts are not just for ourselves. They are God given abilities — and resources are to help and support others, our immediate family/friends and beyond. 1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Using Our Gifts to Serve Includes ⤵
Recognizing our gifts: Understanding that every person has unique talents and abilities given by God.
Serving Others: Actively using our gifts to help, support and uplift those around us.
Faithful Stewardship: Managing and using our gifts responsibly, knowing they are apart of God’s grace.
Building Community: Strengthening the church and broader community through acts of service and love.
I encourage you to read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22. Sit with it and really reflect on the practical instructions for living life of faithfulness and gratitude. How are you paying back to others? Do you pray frequently? Are you rejecting the evil of this world or do you still have parts of the world your flesh can’t let go of? Ask yourself the hard questions. It won’t be easy, it won’t feel good. However when they say the grass is greener on the other side, what they should’ve said is with Jesus by my side, I am alive.
In conclusion, stewardship is far more than a financial principle — it's a way of life rooted in love, responsibility, and faithfulness to God. From the beginning of creation to the teachings of Jesus, we see a consistent call to manage well the time, talents, treasures, relationships, and resources that God has entrusted to us. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His heart through wise stewardship — not for our glory, but to serve others and point them to Him. If you’re ready to put this into action, take on the 7-Day Grace of Stewardship Challenge and begin living out these principles in practical, Spirit-led ways. Click the button below for a breakdown of each day and take your next step toward honoring God with everything He’s placed in your hands.
