Stewardship is a word that is often used in churches, but what does it really mean?
At its core, stewardship is about taking care of something that has been entrusted to you.
The Bible teaches that everything we have—our money, time, talents, and even the earth itself—belongs to God.
We are simply caretakers, responsible for using these resources wisely.
Being a good steward is not just about giving money to charity or managing finances well; it is about recognizing that everything comes from God and should be used to glorify Him.
Understanding biblical stewardship can help us make better choices, live with purpose, and honor God with everything we have.
Everything Belongs to God
Before we can understand stewardship, we must first recognize that nothing truly belongs to us.
Psalm 24:1 states, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
This means that our money, possessions, time, and talents all belong to God.
We are not owners—we are managers.
When people believe that what they have is theirs alone, they may become greedy, selfish, or careless with their resources.
But when they understand that they are simply caretakers of God’s blessings, they begin to use what they have with more responsibility and gratitude.
This shift in mindset changes how we handle our finances, time, and even relationships.
Stewardship of Money
One of the most well-known aspects of stewardship is how we handle money.
The Bible has a lot to say about finances because money is often tied to the condition of our hearts.
1 Timothy 6:10 warns, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.
Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
This verse does not say that money itself is evil, but rather that the love of money leads to sin.
A good steward does not worship money or place their trust in wealth.
Instead, they use their resources to provide for their needs, bless others, and further God’s kingdom.
Proverbs 3:9-10 says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
This passage teaches that when we put God first in our finances, He provides for our needs.
Whether through tithing, generous giving, or wise financial planning, stewardship of money is an important part of honoring God.
Stewardship of Time
Time is one of the most valuable resources we have.
Unlike money, we cannot earn more of it.
Once a moment is gone, it is gone forever.
That is why the Bible encourages believers to use their time wisely.
Ephesians 5:15-16 states, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
A good steward does not waste time on meaningless things but invests it in what truly matters.
This includes spending time in prayer, reading the Bible, serving others, and nurturing relationships.
Psalm 90:12 also reminds us, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Recognizing that our time is limited helps us live with greater purpose.
Instead of filling our schedules with distractions, we can choose to prioritize what honors God.
Stewardship of Talents and Gifts
God has given each person unique talents and abilities.
Some people are gifted in teaching, others in hospitality, music, or leadership.
Whatever our gifts may be, the Bible encourages us to use them for God’s glory.
1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Being a good steward of our talents means not wasting them or using them selfishly.
Instead, we should use our skills to help others, strengthen the church, and bring light to the world.
Jesus told a parable in Matthew 25:14-30 about a master who gave his servants different amounts of money (referred to as “talents” in some translations).
Two of the servants invested and multiplied what they were given, but one buried his talent out of fear.
The master praised the first two but condemned the one who did nothing with his gift.
This story teaches that God expects us to use what He has given us wisely.
If we have a gift, we should not hide it or ignore it—we should develop it and use it to make a difference.
Stewardship of the Earth
Caring for the environment is also a part of stewardship.
From the very beginning, God gave humans responsibility over the earth.
Genesis 2:15 states, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
This shows that taking care of the earth is not just an environmental issue—it is a biblical command.
When people waste resources, pollute, or destroy nature without thought, they are neglecting a responsibility given by God.
Being good stewards means taking care of what God has entrusted to us, whether that means conserving water, recycling, or simply being mindful of how we treat creation.
Faithfulness in Small Things
Many people think of stewardship in terms of big responsibilities, but Jesus emphasized faithfulness in small things as well.
Luke 16:10 states, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
This means that how we handle small responsibilities reflects how we will handle bigger ones.
If we are careless with small amounts of money, how can we be trusted with more?
If we waste a little time, how will we manage more important commitments?
God rewards those who are faithful in the little things.
Small acts of stewardship—like being generous with a small income, managing time well, or using a small talent—prepare us for greater things.
Trusting God as the Ultimate Provider
One of the hardest parts of stewardship is trusting God.
Sometimes, people hold onto money, time, or resources too tightly because they are afraid of not having enough.
But Jesus reassured His followers in Matthew 6:31-33:
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
God is the ultimate provider.
When we use what He has given us wisely, we can trust that He will take care of our needs.
Stewardship and Generosity
A true test of stewardship is generosity.
God does not bless us just so we can keep everything to ourselves.
He blesses us so that we can bless others.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 teaches, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
A good steward is not someone who hoards what they have but someone who gives freely and joyfully.
Generosity is a sign of a heart that trusts God.
Final Thoughts
Being a good steward means recognizing that everything we have—money, time, talents, and the earth—is a gift from God.
We are not owners but caretakers, responsible for using these gifts wisely.
The Bible teaches that stewardship includes managing finances well, using time effectively, developing our talents, caring for creation, and trusting God with our needs.
When we live as faithful stewards, we honor God, bless others, and experience the joy of knowing we are using what He has given us in the best way possible.
True stewardship is not about what we have—it is about how we use it for God’s glory.