1 Peter 4:10 New International Version NIV

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

The bible reminds us of sharing the gifts of talent, time, and treasure. This is called, “Stewardship.” So often we think that it implies exclusively to money as in tithes when it encompasses so much more. Whether it is managing our resources, leading with integrity, supporting others, or stewarding the message of the Gospel, we are called to be faithful stewards in all areas of our lives.

Stewardship of Creation:

Psalms 24:1 states, "The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it."

From the beginning in Genesis 1:28, God grants Adam to have dominion over the earth. He commanded Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply. God wants us to have a respectful and caring relationship with the environment. Recognizing God as the owner of all creation, we are stewards responsible for its care. This view fosters a sense of reverence and duty towards the natural world, urging us to protect and preserve it for future generations. This command was a sacred trust as God’s caretakers ensuring its growth and sustainability over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.

Jesus and Parables of Stewardship:

Jesus frequently taught about stewardship through parables. One notable example is found in Matthew 25:14-30, Parable of the Talents. In this story, a master has delegated his servants with talents (a form of currency) before leaving on a journey. Upon his return, he rewards the servants who wisely invested and multiplied the talents but condemns the servant who buried his talent out of fear. This parable highlights the importance of using our God-given gifts and resources wisely. It was not for personal gain, but for the betterment of God's kingdom.

Another parable, the Parable of the Faithful Servant (Luke 12:35-48), reinforces this idea. Here, Jesus speaks of a servant who is put in charge of his master's household. The servant's faithfulness in managing the master's affairs while he is away is rewarded. This emphasizes the expectation that we are to be diligent and responsible with what we are given, knowing that we will ultimately be accountable to God.

Financial Stewardship:

Financial stewardship is another significant aspect emphasized in the Bible. Proverbs 3:9-10 encourages believers to "honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine." This principle of giving back to God a portion of what we receive reflects trust in His provision and a commitment to His work.

The New Testament further illustrates this in the early Christian community's practice of sharing their possessions and resources (Acts 4:32-35). The generosity demonstrated was not seen as charity but as a form of worship and cooperative care, reflecting the unity of God's people.

Conclusion:

Biblical stewardship is a profound calling that goes beyond simple management. It encompasses our relationship with God, our use of His gifts, and our responsibility towards His creation. As stewards, we are called to honor God in all we do, manage His resources wisely, and care for the world He has entrusted to us. As we embrace this sacred duty, we fulfill our role as faithful servants in God's masterpiece for his people. Our reward awaits when He says, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord.” Matthew 25:23