Jul. 12, 2006 - What Is Stewardship?

Stewardship is an important financial concept for all of us to learn.  It is especially important that children learn this principle early on so that they develop a healthy view of money and how to handle it later in life.

We know from the Bible that God created everything and He has rightful ownership to it all.  In this sense, humans don’t own anything.  All that we have is on loan from God.  We may possess things, but that is very different than having actual ownership.  God has placed His creation in our care – including money – and we are His stewards.

A steward is simply someone who manages another person’s property, business activities, or personal affairs.

Stewards are referred to throughout the Bible.  The concept of stewardship is manifested through many roles – steward, overseer, slave, officer, minister, etc.  The scope of stewardship may range from a modest household to a mighty nation.  Joseph, for example, was a steward over Potiphar’s household (Genesis 39:4) and later for Pharaoh over the land of Egypt (Genesis 41:41).

No matter the circumstances or specific responsibilities, stewardship is characterized by certain principles across the board.  A steward:

• Is subordinate to the master  (Genesis 41:40)
• Takes direction from the master  (Luke 19:13)
• Possesses the authority granted by the master  (Genesis 41:42, 44)
• Is tasked with certain responsibilities by the master (Luke 19:13; Genesis 41:48-49)
• Looks out for the master’s interests  (Matthew 25:27)
• Takes action on behalf of the master  (Matthew 25:21, 23)
• Makes decisions on behalf of the master  (Matthew 25:16-17)
• Produces good results for the master  (Matthew 25:20, 22)
• Is accountable for results to the master  (Luke 16:2)

Notice that these principles all tie back to the master.

Everything is centered on the master.

I don’t know about you, but at this point my selfish nature wants to know, “What about ME?  If everything is focused on the master, then who is looking out for my interests?”  God provides a ready answer to quiet our hearts.  When we truly act like the stewards that we are, and serve the Master, then He takes care of us. 

“He who tends the fig tree will eat its fruit; and he who cares for his master will be honored.”  Proverbs 27:18

In God’s economy, the steward is rewarded on the basis of faithfulness to the master.  Throughout Scripture the faithful servant is always in good hands and rewarded accordingly.  Only unfaithful servants need worry.  The humble are exalted; the proud laid low.  The faithful are rewarded; the unfaithful plundered.  The selfless receive; the selfish suffer want.  So much for “ME!”

God’s ownership of money and our stewardship of His money is a critical concept to grasp.  Our handling of this concept has practical applications on earth and implications for eternity.

“He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.  If therefore you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous riches, who will entrust the true riches to you?  And if you have not been faithful in the use of that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?  No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to one, and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and riches.”  (Luke 16:10-13)

We need to settle, once and for all, just who is in charge of the money in our possession.  Then, we must be willing to align our financial priorities on this basis to please our master – either God or riches.  I trust you have chosen the Lord!