Biblical Answer

Understanding Biblical Stewardship

Biblical stewardship is not about giving God a part of what is ours, but rather it is about being responsible caretakers of God's creation. It is part of the creation mandate, which is to have dominion over the world and to care for it (Gen. 1:28). As created beings, we derive everything we have and are from God, and therefore, our stewardship is not about ownership, but about responsible management of the resources entrusted to us.

The Purpose of Stewardship

The purpose of stewardship is to care for and manage God's creation in a way that honors Him and reflects His character. This includes being good managers of our time, talents, and resources, and using them to benefit others. In the Bible, stewardship is often linked to the idea of being a servant or a diakonos, which refers to a servant who has been given a gift or ability to manage and care for something. This servant is responsible for using their gift to serve others and to bring glory to God.

The Implications of Stewardship

The implications of biblical stewardship are far-reaching. It means that we are responsible for using our resources to benefit others and to bring glory to God. It means that we are to be good managers of our time, talents, and resources, and to use them in a way that honors God. It also means that we are to be good caretakers of the earth and to use our resources in a way that is sustainable and responsible. Ultimately, biblical stewardship is about living a life that reflects God's character and values, and that brings glory to Him. It is a way of living that is marked by responsibility, generosity, and a deep sense of dependence on God.