In the Bible, stewardship refers to the responsibility of humans to manage and take care of God’s creation, including the earth and its resources, as outlined in Genesis 1:26-28. It embodies the principles of faithful management, accountability, and the ethical use of resources for the greater good, reflecting God’s intentions for how we should live and interact with creation.
Scripture
26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Biblical Meaning of Stewardship Explained
The biblical concept of stewardship goes beyond mere management of earthly resources; it encapsulates a holistic approach to living in harmony with God’s creation and fulfilling one’s divine purpose. In Genesis 1:26-28, humans are made in God’s image and given dominion over the earth, which conveys both authority and responsibility. This notion of stewardship calls for a balance between leadership and care, suggesting that exercising authority means acting in a way that reflects God’s character—one that is just, compassionate, and mindful of the well-being of all created things. Furthermore, in Psalm 24:1, it is emphasized that “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,” reinforcing that stewardship is not ownership but guardianship, where humans are entrusted with the sacred duty of caring for what ultimately belongs to God.
Moreover, the New Testament echoes this theme of stewardship, particularly through Jesus’ parables, such as the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) which illustrates the importance of using gifts and resources wisely for kingdom purposes. Here, the servants are held accountable for how they managed their entrusted resources, highlighting the expectation of proactive and fruitful stewardship. Additionally, in 1 Peter 4:10, believers are encouraged to use whatever gifts they have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. This reinforces that stewardship is a community-oriented responsibility, urging believers to engage actively with their environment and each other. Overall, the broader meaning of stewardship in the Bible is an invitation to recognize our role as caretakers of God’s creation, fostering sustainability and ethical relationships both with the environment and within the faith community.
Continuing to explore the religious meaning of stewardship, we can see that it encompasses the idea of accountability not only to God but also to each other and future generations. The biblical notion of stewardship emphasizes that every individual is entrusted with talents, gifts, and resources, and will be called to give an account of their use. This principle manifests frequently in Scripture through exhortations to care for the vulnerable and marginalized, highlighting that true stewardship transcends personal gain and focuses on uplifting others. The teachings found in the Sermon on the Mount reflect this attitude, as Jesus instructs his followers to prioritize mercy, justice, and generosity, shaping a community that embodies stewardship in their daily interactions and decisions.
Furthermore, stewardship is intricately linked to the biblical call for justice and compassion; it requires a commitment to ethical living and the well-being of all creation. The prophetic literature of the Old Testament, for instance, repeatedly calls out against exploitation and encourages the support of the poor and the downtrodden, demonstrating that stewardship is inherently tied to social responsibility. Such a perspective urges believers to advocate for sustainable practices and social equity, recognizing that caring for the earth entails not only environmental stewardship but also nurturing human relationships and communities. Through this lens, the concept of stewardship is deeply rooted in love and responsibility, driving believers to act with integrity and compassion as they navigate the world in service to God’s ongoing creative work.
The Call to Responsibility
Stewardship in the biblical context emphasizes the responsibility that individuals have towards the creation and resources entrusted to them. This concept extends beyond mere management; it involves a deep sense of accountability to God for how one utilizes their gifts, talents, and the environment. Recognizing that everything ultimately belongs to God encourages believers to act with integrity and purpose, ensuring that their actions reflect a commitment to divine principles and the well-being of others.
The Principle of Generosity
At its core, stewardship is intertwined with the principle of generosity. It encourages individuals to share their resources, time, and talents with those in need, fostering a spirit of community and support. This aspect of stewardship highlights the importance of selflessness and the impact of collective efforts in promoting justice and compassion. By understanding stewardship as a call to generosity, believers are inspired to contribute positively to their communities and to the world at large.
The Journey of Spiritual Growth
Stewardship is also seen as a pathway to spiritual growth and maturity. Engaging in stewardship practices allows individuals to deepen their relationship with God, as they learn to trust in His provision and guidance. This journey involves recognizing one’s own limitations and the need for divine assistance, leading to a more profound understanding of faith and reliance on God. Through stewardship, believers can cultivate a sense of purpose and fulfillment, as they align their actions with their spiritual values and beliefs.
How to Cultivate Faithfulness in Serving God’s Gifts
Cultivating faithfulness in serving God’s gifts is a beautiful journey that requires intentionality and a heart open to His leading. Start by recognizing the unique talents and resources God has bestowed upon you—whether it’s your time, skills, or even your ability to love and support others. Embrace the idea that these gifts are not just for your benefit but are meant to be shared for the greater good of the community and to glorify God. Make it a daily practice to pray for guidance and opportunities to use these gifts, and don’t shy away from stepping out of your comfort zone. Remember, faithfulness is not about perfection; it’s about consistency and a willingness to serve, even in small ways. Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage and challenge you, and be open to feedback as you grow. As you faithfully serve, you’ll find that your relationship with God deepens, and your gifts will flourish in ways you never imagined.
Bible References to Stewardship in Christianity:
Genesis 2:15: 15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.
Leviticus 25:23-24: 23 “The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine. For you are strangers and sojourners with me.
24 And in all the country you possess, you shall allow a redemption of the land.
Deuteronomy 8:17-18: 17 Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’
18 You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
Psalm 24:1-2: 1 The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.
2 For he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.
Psalm 8:4-8: 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet.
7 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet.
8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
Proverbs 3:9-10: 9 Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
Matthew 25:14-30: 14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.
15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.
16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more.
17 So also he who had received the two talents made two talents more.
18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money.
19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’
21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
22 And he also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed,
23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed,
25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’
26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed?
27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.
28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents.
29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Luke 12:42-48: 42 And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?
43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.
44 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.
45 But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk,
46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful.
47 And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating.
48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
Luke 16:1-13: 1 He also said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions.
2 And he called him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’
3 And the manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg.
4 I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.
5 So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’
6 He said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’
7 Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’
8 The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.
9 And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.
10 “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”
11 If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?
12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?
13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2: 1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.
1 Peter 4:10-11: 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Colossians 3:23-24: 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
1 Timothy 6:17-19: 17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,
19 storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.