Stewardship: Managing What Belongs to God

It is protecting or being responsible for what belongs to another — recognising that everything we have has been entrusted to us by God, and that one day we will give an account of how we have managed it.

What Stewardship Means

God owns everything — “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” — and even in the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve were administrators acting on His behalf (Gen 2:15; Ps 24:1). Stewardship expresses our obedience regarding the administration of what God has placed under our control, acknowledging that we do not have the right of jurisdiction over ourselves or anything we have — God has that rule. We are managers of that which belongs to God, and so are under His constant authority as we administer His affairs. Wise stewardship expresses our total obedience to God and our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Am I a good steward of what’s entrusted to me?

Held Accountable for Everything

We are accountable to God for the wise management of the multitude of things He has entrusted us with — time, friendships, money, resources, ability (both real and potential), opportunities and especially our lives, as He bought us with His blood (Eccl 12:14; Mal 3:10; Rom 14:12; 1 Cor 4:1-2, 6:19-20; Eph 3:2; Tit 1:7). Even what we consider ‘ours’ has been entrusted to us, and we are to generously share this with others, resulting in greater blessing (1 Sam 2:30; Mt 6:33; Lk 12:16-21; 2 Cor 9:6-7; Eph 4:28; 1 Pet 4:10). As stewards, we have the responsibility to care for what is His by fulfilling His desires and purposes. Paul said, “I die daily” to my own plans and I live for Him who gave His life for me (1 Cor 15:31; Gal 2:20). This should be the experience of all believers determined to fulfill His calling on their lives (2 Cor 5:15).

Being held accountable should not cause fear. Rather, it should stir in us the desire and the responsibility to choose right — living each day in a way that welcomes God's review rather than dreads it, because a faithful steward has nothing to hide and everything to look forward to (1 Jn 4:18).

Anticipate the eternal reward

We have also been entrusted with the gospel of Christ. It is our responsibility to freely and generously share the good news with the lost (Ezek 33:6; Mt 28:19-20).

God has given the earth to mankind to live on and use (Ps 115:16). As good stewards, we should also manage its natural resources by sustainable harvesting instead of exploiting, abusing or the wasteful ravaging and destruction of the environment.

Faithfulness Brings Reward

Those who have been entrusted with much have a greater responsibility to effectively utilise it, and God will reward all diligent service for His Kingdom: “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness” (Mt 25:21,23; Lk 12:48; Col 3:23-24). Eternal rewards flow from such service (Phil 4:17; 1 Tim 6:17-19). We need to constantly assess: am I the lord of my life, or is Christ the Lord of my life?

Am I using my life wisely?

Reflection and Application:

Remember that everything you have — time, money, abilities, relationships and life itself — belongs to God and is on loan to you.
Identify one area where you are managing God’s resources carelessly, and take a practical step to change it this week.
Look for an opportunity to generously share what God has entrusted to you with someone in need.
Ask yourself daily: am I the lord of my life, or is Christ the Lord of my life?