Here is a wikipedia definition of Stewardship: Stewardship is an ethic that embodies the responsible planning and management of resources. The concepts of stewardship can be applied to the environment and nature, economics, health, property, information, theology, etc.
Here is a definition of the biblical principle of Stewardship: God owns everything, we are simply managers or administrators acting on his behalf. Therefore, stewardship expresses our obedience regarding the administration of everything God has placed under our control, which is all encompassing. Stewardship is the commitment of one’s self and possessions to God’s service, recognizing that we do not have the right of control over our property or ourselves. Four Principles of Biblical Stewardship
I’m not requesting that you post you results but take a moment to answer the following questions and calculate your average Biblical Stewardship Score . The scale is:
- Below Target-1
- On Target-2
- Above Target-3
God has provided you with the gift of life which includes breathing, the sophisticated design of our bodies and minds. 1. Do you treat your body with the upmost care? Consider what you eat, what you drink, things you intentionally do to take care of your body and things you do that don’t serve your physical body well.
You have obtained multiply “things” in your life. 2. Do you take great care of your material possessions? Give thought to your upkeep or the lack thereof of your home, your mode of transportation, what you wear, all items that you own and that have been placed in your care.
3. Do you daily check in with God through prayer on how to best lead and guide people that God has placed under your authority? Consider your children, coworkers that look to you for the “how to”, long term friends or people who are just in your life for a season.
There are plenty of other questions that we can ask, but the point is that we, at least I, need to do better in the area of stewardship. I know that I am not hitting it out the box as it relates to stewardship. I know I need to treat my possessions better. I need to clean up more and make sure the condition of material things that he has blessed me with are kept in the best possible condition. I generally consume what I want letting ‘taste” guide my food choices. But as I’ve gotten older, it is clear that I should take more time to ask if this is good for me and not just choose food solely on its savor. We only have one temple, one body and as stated in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were brought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” I’m very grateful for my employment and relationships but I don’t bring every aspect to God for guidance before taking actions that impact my work environment, team members, family and friends.
This may have just been a word by me for me, not sure, but it is what was on my heart.
