This month, we will explore stewardship as a spiritual discipline. Let us start with a definition of stewardship. Stewardship is simply the management of resources entrusted to us. A steward is not the owner of those resources but is responsible for overseeing them on behalf of another. In terms of Biblical stewardship, we are stewards of the resources entrusted to us by God. God is the ultimate owner of all things. David said in Psalm 24:1, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” Faithfulness is often associated with Stewardship. 1 Corinthians. 4:2 states, “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” Faithfulness does not derive from our own strength but is a fruit of the Spirit that God has given to every believer.

Stewardship involves our faithful use of time, talent, and treasures. The Apostle Paul challenged the Ephesians to make the best use of their time by watching how they conduct their lives, especially because the days were evil. The admonition to the Ephesians still rings true today. We live in troubling times, so we must be faithful to use the time God has given us to be salt and light in the world.

This leads to our talents. God has given every believer talents or gifts to be used to glorify God, build up the body of Christ, and proclaim the good news of the Gospel. Spiritual gifts are mentioned in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12-14, and 1 Peter 4. Online spiritual gifts assessment tools are available at Lifeway.com and other Christian ministry websites.

Finally, we are to be good stewards of our treasures. God has given us financial resources to manage and to use for His glory. The premier passages on giving in the New Testament are found in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9.  Faithfully steward our giving from the heart. Our hearts have been changed to seek to glorify God. 2 Corinthians. 9:7 states, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Our financial stewardship should be done with joy, knowing that we are contributing to the kingdom of God.

Biblical stewardship is a spiritual discipline that reminds us that everything we have belongs to God. Pray that the Lord will help us to lead a life that pleases Him in every area of our lives.