Stewardship: What does Scripture say?
Merriam-Webster defines stewardship as "the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care." This definition encapsulates several biblical themes. Scripture encourages us to serve God and others by responsibly managing what has been entrusted to us—ourselves, our families, our neighbors, and our planet.
We first see this responsibility in Genesis: “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). Right from the start, God entrusted humanity with the care of His creation. Proverbs 27:23 further emphasizes this, advising us to “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.” This highlights that responsibility requires not just action, but careful, diligent care.
God’s directive to be good stewards comes to us in part in 1 Peter 4:10 where Peter implored the Gentile Christians, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." This directive frames stewardship as an active, ongoing responsibility.
Principles of Stewardship
There are four main biblical principles of stewardship:
Ownership: Everything belongs to God, but He entrusts things to us. (Psalm 24:1; 1 Chronicles 29:11-12).
Responsibility: God mandates that we care for his creation and manage it well. (Genesis 1:28, Jeremiah 12:14).
Accountability: God holds us accountable for our stewardship, expecting a return better than the investment. (Romans 14:12; 1 Corinthians 4:2).
Reward: Faithful stewardship leads to rewards. God promises inheritance and shared happiness for those who work for Him. (Matthew 25:21; Colossians 3:23-24).
What does Stewardship really look like?
Stewardship might involve making wise financial decisions, spending wisely, giving generously, and aligning our investments with our values. The book of Proverbs encourages us to consider our financial habits, including giving of our firstfruits (Proverbs 3:9-10) and practicing self-discipline (Proverbs 21:20).
But stewardship also extends to environmental care. This might mean picking up trash in our neighborhood or advocating for environmentally responsible corporate practices. Our stewardship should reflect God’s care for His creation (Leviticus 25:23-24).
Finally, stewardship looks like taking care of one another. Each time we encounter another human being, we encounter the presence of God (Genesis 1:27). Being a good steward looks like ensuring that we treat others with dignity which affirms their Imago Dei and encourages their flourishing. Consider the poor around you, how might you steward their dignity well? Maybe this is by giving, creating a program that addresses their needs, or even just acknowledging their presence with a smile (Proverbs 22:9).
More on financial Investments
Consider the profound impact of aligning your investments with your values. This isn't merely about financial returns; it's about making a tangible difference in the world. Investing in companies that uphold the sanctity of life, environmental sustainability, or Biblically-rooted social justice allows you to support causes that resonate deeply with your faith. It’s a way to put your money where your heart is, fostering a sense of personal fulfillment and contributing to societal change.
There are several ways we can strive to honor God with our investments.
First, it is important to evaluate where our money is currently going. What is it supporting? Who is it helping? Is it contributing to marginalization or the hoarding of resources?
It is also important to seek godly counsel in this process. These are complex questions and it can be important to enlist others that can help you navigate the complexity of faith in action and the complicated investment world. This might look like reaching out to a friend, a trusted mentor, or a financial advisor to help you get started.
Above all, we must stay curious, humble, and eager to learn. Our world shifts and changes and the market shifts constantly. It is important to stay up to date on issues in our communities, changes in the market, and how we can adjust our investments to do the most good, or to be the best stewards we can.
Conclusion
Stewardship, as outlined in Scripture, is a call to action for believers. By wisely managing our resources, we honor God and fulfill our role as caretakers of His creation. Applying biblical principles to our financial decisions ensures our investments reflect our faith and values. Whether it’s making informed investment choices, seeking godly counsel, or volunteering our time and talents, faithful stewardship transforms our approach to wealth and helps us build a legacy that honors God. Let's embark on this journey together, aligning our investments with our values and creating a positive impact in our communities.