When most people hear (or read) the word stewardship, they intuitively think the conversation will focus on finances. Yes, finances are a very important part of our lives, and the Bible has much to say about how we view and use our financial resources. However, stewardship involves so much more than money.
The Bible clearly explains God is the creator of all things (Genesis 1:1). As Creator, God has absolute ownership and authority over all that He created. In His wisdom and love, God gave mankind the responsibility to steward or manage all He created. A biblical view of stewardship identifies God as the owner of everything in our lives, and we are the managers. God makes man His coworker in stewarding, or managing all aspects of our life.
When we correctly understand God as the creator and owner of everything, we can properly value not only our finances but, more importantly, our relationships, our talents, and even our own human lives. When we think of faithful stewardship, we often think of how we manage our finances and faithfully give God’s tithes and offerings. However, faithful stewardship involves so much more. In the Gospel of Matthew, we read the story of Jesus speaking to the most religious group of people in Jerusalem. The Teachers of the Law and Pharisees were faithful in their financial stewardship. However, they neglected other areas of living and relating to others that were just as much, if not even more important! Jesus said:
“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law — justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.” -Matthew 23:23 NLT
Yes, faithful stewardship involves finances and possessions. However, as followers of Christ, we must recognize God's sovereignty over all areas of life. Faithful stewardship is part of our obedient witness to others. Faithful stewardship involves our thoughts, our tongue, our time, our treasure, and our talents!
Faithful stewardship means we fully acknowledge we are not our own but belong to Christ, the Lord, who gave Himself for us.