Word of the Week - Stewardship - Part 1

“His master replied, “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!” Matthew 25:23

Stewardship – Webster defines stewardship as the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care; faithful and efficient management of property and resources belonging to another in order to achieve the owner’s objectives.  Since God is the owner of all things, the real question we should be asking is: What are God’s objectives? And, how do we manage our gifts, talents, family, and resources toward His objectives?  Therefore, biblical stewardship would imply that we are managing and investing our money, energy, and resources in a way that both glorifies God and serves Him and His creation towards fulfilling His objectives. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Collossians 3:23 

Most Christians think about stewardship as giving or tithing to the local church.  Although this is important, it is only one aspect of stewardship.  Stewardship is much more comprehensive.  It is based on the foundation that God owns it all, like 100% of our Talent, Time, and Treasure. “If I were hungry I would not tell you; for the world is mine, and all that is in it.” Psalm 50:12  He has simply entrusted us to manage these blessings on His behalf.  This is a different way of thinking that may sound a bit radical but makes perfect sense if you really believe that God is our source and provider.

As believers, God calls us all to be good stewards of all He has entrusted to us.  This is a huge part of our journey of faith in Christ.  Amy and I are stewarding four of our grandkids this weekend down in Mobile, AL as my daughter Saige and her husband Blake are attending a marriage retreat at Lake Martin.  Therefore, I have limited time today and will not be able to fully develop my thoughts on Stewardship but plan to finish this “Word of the Week” next week.

Have a great week!!