Stewardship means to manage something on someone’s behalf. When they give it to you, it does not mean that you own it, you just manage it on their behalf. As a result of exercising our God-given dominion over His creation, reflecting the image of our creator God in His care, responsibility, maintenance, protection, and beautification of His creation.
6 principles of stewardship
- Everything was created by God
This is the founding principle of our walk with God. Everything is a result of Him. God created everything and by grace gives it to us.
Colossians 1:16 – 17 AMPC | 16 For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him. 17 And He Himself existed before all things, and in Him all things consist (cohere, are held together).
- Everything belongs to God
Everything that we do must be in conjunction with Him and give glory to Him.
Psalm 24:1 AMPC | THE EARTH is the Lord’s, and the fullness of it, the world and they who dwell in it. [I Cor. 10:26.]
Psalm 89:11 AMPC | The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; the world and all that is in it, You have founded them.
- God calls us to be faithful stewards
God gives multidimensional grace to each part of our lives.
1 Peter 4:10 AMPC | As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God’s many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the extremely diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor].
- Stewardship results in growth
If you steward something well, more will be given to you.
[Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings.
2 Corinthians 9:6 AMPC
- We will be held accountable for our stewardship
God will hold us accountable for what he gives us, both in the natural and the spiritual.
His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the blessedness) which your master enjoys.
Matthew 25:23 AMPC
- Good stewardship will be rewarded
Our reward and source is God. Once we understand that, the proper response should be to give back to Him.
23 Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, 24 Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah).
Colossians 3:23-24 AMPC
Reflection: How good of a steward are you with what God has given you?
