Stewardship is an important doctrine in the Bible, and it’s an ever-present principle that helps Christians be good stewards of God’s resources. Good stewardship requires us to invest our money, time, and other resources in ways that bring honor to God and benefit others. That is most often a result of a new heart or a renewing of the mind through the recognition of the amazing gift of salvation we have through Jesus. It’s welcoming Him as our “Boss” as well as our Savior.
2 Corinthians 9:7 provides the basis to this concept: “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” This verse sheds light on the foundation of smart giving as a financial steward, demonstrating that it is an act of the heart inspired by appreciation and joy. This response is because we are all called to be responsible stewards and compassionate contributors to the well-being of humanity.
So what are the basic principles of stewardship? And what does it mean to give as a Christian? We’ll explore these questions and more in this blog.
What Is the Biblical Definition of Stewardship?
The biblical definition of stewardship revolves around the concept that everything in the world, including our own lives and possessions, belongs to God, who is the ultimate owner and provider. According to the Bible, stewardship refers to being a good steward—or manager—of the resources God
has given us. This requires us to use our skills, resources, and community connections to faithfully and dutifully serve God and His kingdom.
Because we are only temporary guardians of God’s gifts, stewardship means more than purely ownership of resources. It also requires accountability, honesty, and generosity according to God’s word. Since “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1 NLT), it is our duty to manage and make good use of God’s gifts in ways that honor Him and benefit people around us.
What Is the Stewardship of Giving as a Christian?
Just as a Christian acknowledges God has an important role in their lives, they also acknowledge that their time, abilities, and wealth all come from God. Stewardship is your response to this recognition of God’s ownership—it’s a way of managing these gifts as an expression of gratitude and faith. Faithful stewardship also includes knowing that, by giving back generously and thoughtfully, you’re not just meeting the needs of others, but also embracing a deeper connection with God and the world around you.
More specifically, stewardship of giving is an act of worship, faith, and love that shows appreciation for God’s blessings by putting them to good use for the benefit of others and the betterment of society. Recognizing that our giving is an act of worship and obedience, this framework highlights a change in perspective from acting as an owner to a devoted steward. Giving as a steward inspires us to imitate Christ’s generosity and compassion—in part by engaging in charitable works, aiding the church’s mission, and making a difference in the lives of others.
One major part of being a dutiful steward is giving joyfully. Generosity is driven by giving with true joy, gratitude, and contentment. It’s not about fulfilling an obligation or meeting a requirement. Rather, it’s about finding meaning in serving others and contributing to God’s cause.
In the same vein, Christians should give back a portion of the money or resources entrusted to them.
Together, giving joyfully and proportionally produces a harmonic and purposeful approach to stewardship. This balanced path involves both the spiritual perspective of the giver and the practicality of resource management in ways that honor God and help others.
What Is a Good Steward in Giving?
The Bible describes various characteristics of a good steward of money and material goods that are reflective of wise and trustworthy stewardship of the resources entrusted to them. Here are 5 qualities of a good steward in the Bible:
- Faithfulness: Stewards demonstrate God’s desires and work hard to fulfill their responsibilities, knowing they’re accountable to Him for how they use their resources.
- Wisdom: Stewards consider the long-term effects of their decisions and seek God’s guidance in resource management.
- Integrity: Stewards avoid unethical or selfish behavior by being honest and transparent. They glorify God in all they do because their actions reflect their values.
- Generosity: Stewards know they should share their blessings, especially with the underprivileged. They volunteer their time, skills, and money to help others.
- Accountability: Stewards maintain responsibility for God’s blessings and are accountable to Him. They assume responsibility and recognize they must justify their actions with reasoning.
These characteristics are consistent with the biblical definition of stewardship, which is the careful management of the many resources provided to us by God. This holistic resource management approach shows a deep knowledge of our duty as stewards of God’s blessings. By demonstrating these traits, we honor God and improve our communities.
Give as a Generous Steward
Generosity is an important part of being a good steward of God’s resources, which Christians must do so we may honor God with our material possessions. We at Cornerstone Financial Advisory will guide you in your stewardship and show you how to use your money and possessions to the glory of God. To help you handle the money God has given you in a way that honors Him, we provide investment options that are grounded in Christian principles and the Bible.
If you’re wanting to explore how biblical wisdom can inform your giving to help you elevate your contributions, glorify God, and be a good steward of your resources, our Let’s Plan to Thrive program will help you deep-dive into the Bible and what God says about your finances.
