The Beauty of Stewardship

"Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God." -1st Peter 4:10 

The Lord has given each of us different gifts, resources, and people that we’re called to be good stewards of. Stewardship is our response to God’s trust in us. As we cling to the Father, we get to honor and worship Him by protecting what He has given us. 

What is stewardship? 

We can take a look at our lives and see the markings of God’s goodness and kindness. Our families and friends, homes, finances, gifts and talents, all of our dreams and passions are good gifts from the Father to us. Our salvation, freedom, and friendship with the Holy Spirit are gifts from Him. 

God never said we had to earn what He gives us. Jesus paid the price for us to be able to receive freely from the Father. We don’t have to pay for what He pours out, but we do have the beautiful opportunity to steward and protect His gifts. 

When the Lord speaks to and encounters us or when He meets a practical, tangible need or desire, He is revealing pieces of His heart. We get to respond to His outpouring of love by stewarding and honoring what He has done. 

What does stewardship look like? 

Stewardship by definition is, “the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.” To steward is to take care of something; to protect and guard it. 

Jesus is our role model for life. If we want to know how we’re called to act, we can look at how Jesus lived His life. Look at the way Jesus stewarded His responsibilities here on earth. He had 12 disciples that He led and taught. He challenged and encouraged them and taught them the ways of the Kingdom. He covered them as they were learning new things and He protected them to the best of His ability. 

Jesus was heavily involved in their lives but He still made space for His secret place. Jesus regularly took time away from people to be alone with the Father. He was a good steward of His secret place. He prioritized and protected that time and space with His heavenly Father. 

Stewardship looks like receiving from God and asking Him what to do with what He’s given to us. What are we supposed to share (if anything) from that life-changing encounter with Him? Who are we supposed to talk to? What’s the timing? How can we honor Him with our time, resources, and relationships? 

Why is stewardship important? 

To put it simply, stewardship is worship unto God. It’s a sweet fragrance that He takes delight in. When we make the choice to steward what He’s given with intentionality and obedience, He receives the honor and glory. 

Stewardship connects us deeply with the heart of God. As we guard and protect the things of God, He pours out His affection onto us. His delight is evident and His love is tangible as we make space to treasure and cherish the things He loves. 

He is a generous Father who loves to give good gifts to His kids. Those gifts may be tangible and monetary, but He also loves to bless us emotionally and spiritually, filling us with His love and affection. Stewardship is our way of saying thank you and returning back what is due to Him.