Stewardship: Responsible Resource Management

Stewardship: “the job of supervising or taking care of something, such as an organization or property.” Stewardship can be defined as the responsible management and care of resources that have been entrusted to an individual or a community. In the Biblical context, it is the recognition that everything we have, including time, talent, wealth and the environment, ultimately belongs to God and involves acknowledging that we are temporary caretakers of these resources. Therefore, we have a moral obligation to use them wisely for the benefit of everyone. In our journey of faith, we are called to be good stewards of the resources that God has entrusted to us.

Oftentimes, for a single person to do all the tasks is hard. This leads to overburden and eventually a burnout. It tends to be less efficient as well, and therefore would take longer. In Exodus 18, we see Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, advising Moses to delegate the tasks to few other capable individuals.

Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. Exodus 18:21

Moses implemented this and it reduced not just the work on him but also ensured that the people were tended for much quickly. God has uniquely enabled everyone such that as a collective we will be able to do much more than what each of us can individually achieve. Everything we have in our world right now is a testament to it. In the case of God’s work stewardship is also a commitment where we offer our God given skills for His work. Further, we ought to also recognise the abilities of others and allow them to contribute their gifts and skills for the greater good. Thereby, achieving proper delegation and building strong teamwork.

Paul in his second epistle to the church in Corinth comments about the sacrificial generosity of the Macedonian churches despite their poverty. 

For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. 2 Corinthians 8:3-5

Stewardship for God, should not be out of compulsion but rather out of willingness to serve God. Stewardship extends beyond financial resources. It encompasses our time, skills, talents and willingness to help others. Our attitude towards generously and cheerfully giving what we can for the sake of God’s kingdom makes us willing and worthy contributors.

Psalm 147 praises to God for His care and providence. Ultimately it is God who sustains all creation. The LORD also has a special interest in our well-being, which is something we need to acknowledge and respond with gratitude.

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; Sing praises on the harp to our God, Who covers the heavens with clouds, Who prepares rain for the earth, Who makes grass to grow on the mountains. He gives to the beast its food, And to the young ravens that cry. Psalm 147:7-9

As stewards, we are also representatives of God. We ought to share our blessings and resources in ways to honor Him and benefit others. Thus, we should align our actions with God's purposes and priorities.

Matthew 25:14-30 presents the parable of the talents, where a master entrusts his servants with different amounts of talents. The servants who faithfully invest and multiply their talents are commended, while the one who buries his talent is rebuked. This stands as a cautionary tale. Maximizing the use of our God-given abilities for the work of God would be a blessing for everyone. However, lack of use will benefit no one. In fact, it is detrimental. Therefore, stewardship requires faithfulness in the little which we are given, and sometimes we must go beyond what we are comfortable with in order to fulfill God’s plan.

We are called to be faithful, committed stewards willing to do the work given to us with a cheerful and generous heart. This stewardship extends to every area of our lives, and the resources we give for God are not just monetary but include time and everything we have for ourselves. Our end goal is to do our part so that God can bless others through us. So let us remember that we are responsible and accountable for everything which we are given in our temporary sojourn on earth. May the LORD be with us, and guide us to joyfully participate in the advancement of His kingdom with us as stewards, and make a positive impact on the world around us.