Christian theology and practice have a strong foundation in the concept of stewardship. As Christians, our Heavenly Father has given us a variety of abilities and responsibilities
A good steward must possess a precise set of qualities (1 Corinthians 4:2). We can develop the discernment and morality necessary to handle God’s supplies by adopting these traits.
What Does Stewardship Entail?
According to the Bible, a steward is an individual entrusted with the responsibility of managing and overseeing resources that ultimately belong to God.
Stewardship involves faithfully and responsibly using these resources, which may include time, talents, finances, and other gifts, for God’s purposes and the benefit of others.
5 Qualities of a Good Steward in the Bible
When the Bible speaks of stewardship, it frequently refers to a man managing something committed to his care cautiously and responsibly.
These characteristics, which have their roots in the Bible form the basis of a steward who not only uses resources prudently but also leads a life that is consistent with biblical principles.
Based on biblical principles, the following five attributes characterize a good steward:
Selfless Service Is The Commitment Of a Good Steward.
Because it puts others’ needs first, the servant leadership concept is a potent component of stewardship.
A good steward takes responsibility and accountability without being asked or prodded, and he has no desire for power or control over others. He puts the needs of the people he leads above his interests.
Everyone should feel included and accepted in a healthy stewardship practice, that does not exclude anyone.
He is a team player, open to new ideas and viewpoints, and quick to give credit to others rather than taking pride in his accomplishments.
A good steward aspires to assist others in realizing their dreams.
Within the framework of stewardship, this entails being willing to take on responsibilities that others might avoid, demonstrating care and compassion, and managing resources in a way that helps others.
A steward demonstrates genuine biblical leadership and mirrors the heart of Christ through this altruistic service.
Servanthood in Stewardship
A servant’s heart is essential for a good steward because it shifts the focus from self-interest to serving God and others. Stewardship, at its core, is about managing resources for the benefit of God’s kingdom and the well-being of others.
In Matthew 20:26-28 (NIV), Jesus, the ultimate example of a servant, emphasized the importance of servanthood in the Kingdom of God. A good steward follows this example by prioritizing service, recognizing that their role is not for personal gain but to benefit others.
Also, serving others through stewardship is an expression of love and gratitude for what God has entrusted. A good steward understands that their service is a response to God’s love and grace.
Galatians 5:13 (NIV), here The Apostle Paul encourages believers to serve one another in love. A good steward recognizes that freedom in Christ is an opportunity to humbly serve, showcasing love in action.
As a steward, being a servant is an act of obedience to God’s command to care for what He has entrusted. It involves aligning one’s will with God’s purposes and faithfully fulfilling the responsibilities assigned.
1 Peter 4:10 (NIV), Peter highlights the responsibility of using gifts to serve others, emphasizing the role of faithful stewardship. A good steward obeys God’s call to serve, recognizing it as a demonstration of faithfulness.
A servant’s heart in stewardship is marked by humility. Recognizing that all resources belong to God, a good steward manages them with humility, understanding their dependence on God’s guidance.
Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV), Paul encourages believers to embrace humility and prioritize the interests of others. A good steward, guided by humility, focuses on serving others and God’s kingdom with a selfless attitude
A Steward Must Be Faithful
A servant who understands that Jesus could return at any time is a good steward. He who acts like a servant will be responsible for the way he treats other people.
Jesus lists the characteristics of good stewards in Matthew 25:14–30, parable of the talents. In the narrative, each of the three stewards is given a certain amount of money to oversee on the owner’s behalf.
The first two stewards multiply what they are given by using their talents. Every one of them returns twice as much to its owner. The owner then says, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” to each.
The third steward, on the other hand, retreats into his hole and lives his own life. He neglects his responsibility to handle the owner’s finances appropriately. This steward digs it up and returns it to the owner only after receiving the money that was offered to him.
What had been provided to the third steward was taken away and given to the first steward. The third steward was dismissed as well.
The good steward tale thus teaches us that a good steward is industrious, hardworking, and willing to take calculated risks. God desires that we increase and strengthen what He has given us.
A Good Steward Must Be Accountable
A good steward recognizes that all resources, including time, talents, and possessions, are ultimately God’s. Being accountable means acknowledging this truth and understanding the weight of responsibility in managing God’s resources.
1 Corinthians 4:2 (NIV) Paul emphasizes the requirement of faithfulness in managing the trust (resources) given by God. Accountability involves faithful stewardship, and understanding the entrusted nature of the resources.
Answerability to God:
Accountability in stewardship extends beyond human expectations; it involves answering to God for how resources are managed. A good steward is aware of this divine accountability and strives to align their actions with God’s purposes.
Romans 14:12 (NIV) The accountability principle is rooted in the understanding that each person will give an account to God. Good stewards live with this awareness, ensuring their actions align with God’s expectations.
Stewardship as a Test of Faithfulness:
A good steward practices integrity in financial matters, being transparent, honest, and responsible. Accountability ensures that financial decisions align with God’s principles and are free from dishonesty.
Proverbs 11:3 (NIV) Proverbs underscores the role of integrity in guiding the upright. A good steward’s accountability involves maintaining financial integrity, which reflects a commitment to godly principles.
Fruitfulness as a Measure:
Accountability in stewardship involves assessing the fruitfulness of one’s efforts. A good steward aims to produce positive and impactful outcomes, bearing fruit that aligns with God’s purposes.
John 15:8 (NIV), Jesus emphasizes the connection between fruitfulness and discipleship. A good steward’s accountability is demonstrated through the production of fruit that glorifies God and reflects discipleship.
Investing in Eternal Treasures:
Integrity
The basis of biblical stewardship is integrity. It stands for a dedication to upholding God’s values in the face of pressure to live up to worldly norms.
The Book of Daniel contains an example of this with Daniel and his friends. Upon being captured in Babylon, they are chosen to work in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar.
When presented with the king’s abundant food and wine, they declined, preferring not to contaminate themselves with objects that might be sacrificed to idols or prohibited by Jewish law.
Their steadfast dedication to integrity despite the possibility of harsh punishment, even death, was evident in their decision. Rather than giving in to fear or justifying a compromise, they suggested a test: they asked to be given nothing but veggies and water for ten days.
At the end of this time, they looked healthier than those who had the royal feast, demonstrating God’s faithfulness in response to their moral rectitude.
This act of trust had a profound impact, molding the court’s opinion of Israel’s God and laying the groundwork for Daniel’s future prominence.
Generosity
Mark 12:42–44 tells the narrative of the widow’s donation, which demonstrates generosity. Jesus notices a poor widow in this verse who offers two little coins to the temple treasury.
She gives generously, giving everything she has, even if she is poor. Jesus praises her and emphasizes that her offering is worth more than the bigger contributions given by others.
A wise steward recognizes the importance of giving. What matters is the motivation behind our donation, not the amount we donate.
We should donate because God likes a cheerful giver and because we are grateful for everything that He has given us.
Giving to the poor and spreading the love of Christ throughout the world enables us to participate in God’s work.
Example Of a Good Stewardship In The Bible
Several examples of good stewardship can be found throughout the Bible, where individuals demonstrated faithful and responsible management of the resources entrusted to them. Here are a few notable examples:
Joseph in Egypt – Genesis 39-41
Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, rose to prominence in Egypt due to his faithful stewardship. As a servant in Potiphar’s house, he managed everything entrusted to him so well that Potiphar put him in charge of his entire household.
Later, in prison, Joseph interpreted dreams and eventually became Pharaoh’s chief steward, effectively managing the resources of the entire nation during a time of famine.
The Parable of the Talents -Matthew 25:14-30
In this parable, Jesus teaches about stewardship through the story of a master who entrusted talents (a form of currency) to his servants before going on a journey.
Two of the servants invested and multiplied their talents, while one buried his. The master praised the faithful stewards and rebuked the unfaithful one.
This parable emphasizes the importance of using and multiplying the resources God has given us.
The Widow’s Offering- Mark 12:41-44
Jesus observed a poor widow giving two small coins in the temple treasury. Though her offering seemed meager compared to others, Jesus commended her, saying she had given more than all the others because she gave sacrificially.
This example highlights the principle of stewardship that goes beyond quantity to consider the heart and sacrifice involved in giving.
The Prodigal Son’s Return – Luke 15:11-32
The parable of the prodigal son illustrates the concept of stewardship in terms of managing one’s life and resources. The prodigal son squandered his inheritance but returned in humility.
The father’s response reflects God’s grace and the opportunity for restoration when a wayward steward returns with a repentant heart.
How To Be a Better Steward
The Bible makes it quite evident that being obedient and disciplined are requirements for successful stewardship.
Faithful to the Guidance of God
This implies that we abide by His teachings. To understand what is required of them, a wise steward will study the Master. He will then comply with the master’s request.
Devoted to What God Has Commanded
More is accomplished by the obedient steward than the Master requires. He discovers the Master’s inclinations. In circumstances where the Master does not issue a direct instruction, he is aware of what the Master desires.
This steward studies the rules and guidelines that the Master follows and tries to carry out His wishes without being asked.
By Taking Care Of The Possessions That God Gives Us
Genesis 36 describes Joseph as a good steward. His lord trusted him to the point where Potipher stopped maintaining a list of his belongings.
Benefits of Faithful Stewardship
Faithful stewardship isn’t just about money; it’s about making wise choices with all of our resources, including time, talents, and treasures, to live a life of purpose and impact.
Here are five great benefits of being a faithful steward
Financial Stability
Faithful stewardship encourages responsible management of resources, leading to better financial health.
When we budget wisely, save diligently, and avoid unnecessary debt, we create a stable financial foundation for ourselves and our families.
Peace of Mind
Knowing that our resources are being managed well provides peace of mind. When we are good stewards, we reduce financial stress and can rest easier, knowing that we are prepared for the future and unforeseen circumstances.
Generosity
Faithful stewardship enables us to be more generous. By managing our finances wisely, we have the ability to give more freely to those in need, support our communities, and contribute to causes that matter to us.
Fulfillment
There is a deep sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing we are using our resources wisely. It aligns our actions with our values and gives us a sense of purpose, knowing that we are making a positive impact with what we have been given.
Legacy
Good stewardship allows us to leave a lasting legacy. By managing our resources well, we can provide for our loved ones and leave behind something meaningful that reflects our values and priorities. This can inspire future generations to continue the practice of faithful stewardship.
Summary
Being a good steward is a noble and difficult task. The attributes of a good steward are demonstrated in the Bible, which also offers us insightful teachings.
We honor God by treating the things and obligations He has entrusted to us with care and honesty as we work to live lives that reflect these values.
Through this, we fulfill our position as obedient servants in God’s perfect plan and help His kingdom develop.
These attributes ought to lead us on our stewardship journey, enabling us to honor our heavenly father and encourage others to follow in our footsteps.
