what stewardship means to us

Whenever we hear the word “Stewardship” most of us immediately think about money and giving. But the noun “steward” is more expansive and describes a person who acts as an agent or someone who looks after the property and financial affairs of another. In today’s terminology, a steward is like a manager—assigned to faithfully handle assets that belong to someone else. In our relationship with God, being a steward is a way of life that places The Lord firmly at the center.

Stewardship encompasses all areas of life. God cares about every facet of our existence; our relationships, health, the way we use our time,  wealth, and the planet. Stewardship isn’t so much about ‘giving’ money (although important), as it is about the transformation we experience when Jesus is first in our lives. Stewardship, in fact, is a gift and position of responsibility to God, each other and the planet. Above all, let’s remember that Stewardship is a great honor and “…not about what God wants from you but rather, what He wants for you…”  We are all encouraged to be committed stewards in at least five crucial areas of life:

OUR TIME

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity onder hte heavens." Ecclesiastes 3:1

"Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."  Ephesians 5:15-16

out health

"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well."  3 John 1:2

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."  1Corinthians 6:19-20

our relationships

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—  “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."  Hebrews 10:24-25

our finances

"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law."  Romans 13:8

"The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down."  Proverbs 21:20

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."  Malachi 3:10

Our environment

"The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." Genesis 2:15

"The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants...both great and small - and for destroying those who destroy the earth."  Revelation 11:18