Principles of Stewardship
This month we will be discussing stewardship and the principles behind it. Stewardship is a word that for most people probably does not harbor warm, fuzzy feelings. Stewardship takes work but in the light of drawing closer to God and honoring Him, it is an exciting journey.
First, let us define stewardship. A steward is one who administers anything as an agent of another or others. We are unquestionably stewards of God and of His creations. A Christian should be environmentally conscience and use the resources of God properly with balance.
Three principles on stewardship are as follows: first, everything is God’s. Col. 1:16 teaches us that God created everything and he did it for His own pleasure. Ps. 50:7-12 tells us that all creatures are God’s and when we sacrifice, we are essentially just giving back to God what is already His. Also, I Cor. 6:19, 20 remind us that even we are not ourselves but we are bought with a price. We have a bad habit of thinking that we own things. They are ours because we bought them. However, nothing is ours, it is all God’s and He allows us to use His things.
Secondly, we are to do all to glorify God and bring honor to Him, Col. 3:17, I Cor. 10:30, 31. Josh. 22:1-6 encourages us to remember that serving the Lord is what really matters, not money in the bank or what kind of car you drive.
Lastly, God is sovereign and in control, Gen 18:1-14, Jer. 32:15-17, Ex. 3. Matt. 8:23-f.f. shows us God is even in control of the wind and the waves. No matter what happens, keep serving the Lord, keep using His creation to honor Him, and let God take care of the score.