3 Must-Know Concepts for Christian Stewards
As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the resources and blessings that God has entrusted to us. Being a faithful steward means recognizing that everything we have ultimately belongs to God and we must faithfully use those resources in a way that honors Him.
1. God owns it all.
The first concept that every Christian steward must grasp is that God is the ultimate owner of all things. The Bible clearly teaches that "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it" (Psalm 24:1). This means that our possessions, our talents, our time, and even our very lives are not truly ours but are gifts from God. Understanding this truth helps us cultivate an attitude of gratitude and humility, recognizing that we are mere custodians of the resources entrusted to us.
When we acknowledge God as the owner of all things, it changes our perspective on material possessions. Instead of pursuing wealth and materialism for our own selfish gain, we recognize that these resources are given to us for a purpose. We are called to use them wisely, generously, and in accordance with God's will.
2. I am His steward.
The second concept for Christian stewards is understanding our role as stewards. A steward is someone who manages and cares for someone else's property or affairs. In the context of our relationship with God, we are stewards of His blessings. This includes not only material possessions but also our time, talents, relationships, and opportunities.
As stewards, we are entrusted with the responsibility of using these resources for God's glory and the well-being of others. The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 illustrates this concept vividly. Each servant was given a certain number of talents (a unit of currency), and their master expected them to invest and multiply what was given to them. In the same way, God expects us to use our resources wisely, multiply them for His kingdom, and be held accountable for our stewardship.
Recognizing ourselves as stewards helps us prioritize our actions and decisions. We are called to seek God's guidance in how we manage our time, talents, and finances, ensuring that they align with His purposes and bring Him honor.
3. Every spending decision is a spiritual decision.
The third must-know concept for Christian stewards is that every spending decision we make is a spiritual decision. Our financial choices are not separate from our faith but are interconnected with our spiritual life. Jesus Himself emphasized this connection when He said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21).
How we handle our finances reflects our priorities, values, and the condition of our hearts. Do we spend our money on worldly pleasures, indulging in materialism and selfish desires, or do we use it to bless others and advance God's kingdom?
Being intentional with our financial decisions means aligning them with biblical principles. It involves giving generously to support the work of the Church and meet the needs of others, practicing wise stewardship through saving and investing, and avoiding excessive debt and the pursuit of extravagant lifestyles. By making our spending decisions in light of God's Word and seeking His guidance, we can honor Him with our finances and be faithful stewards.
Being a Christian steward requires us to embrace these three fundamental concepts: recognizing that God owns everything, understanding our role as stewards, and realizing that every spending decision is a spiritual decision. When we internalize these principles, they shape our attitudes, actions, and priorities, enabling us to manage the resources entrusted to us in a way that brings God glory.
Author the author: David Sandhu is a Financial Advisor with Wise Wealth, LLC. David has a passion for education and understands that the key to successful retirement planning begins with knowledge.
