Stewardship

Webster defines steward as “a person put in charge of a large estate” or “an administrator, as of finances or property.” Wikipedia suggests that a steward is “a servant who manages property.” Another definition from Wikipedia defines a steward as “a person who manages the property or affairs for another entity.”

Today, with pension plans, 401(K)s and other retirement savings options, we typically turn over the management of those funds to a financial manager. This person is a steward in that they manage money for someone else. The financial manager does not own the assets or the money. They just manage it for someone else, carrying out the owner’s wishes for returns. The financial manager has the responsibility and accountability to safeguard and manage these funds by following particular rules and regulations and for making decisions that are in the best interest of the owner.

Landlords will sometimes hire a building manager who will be responsible for the day-to-day management of their buildings, ensuring that various repairs and maintenance chores are taken care of so the tenants are able to live comfortably. The building manager is not the owner, yet he or she is accountable for managing the asset on behalf of the owner and for making decisions that are in the owner’s best interest.

Even as Christians, we might sometimes forget that God owns everything, and we are merely stewards or managers of what He entrusts to us. Yes, He is the Lord who provides, and sometimes we forget why He provides what He does. Romans 8:28 tells us that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. In this passage, all things include all provisions working together for good. For us to be faithful stewards we must manage what God has provided to us in a manner that achieves His purposes, not ours. We need to put His purposes ahead of ours.

There are people who struggle with the concept of God owning everything. For many of these people, I suspect that they make decisions based on how that decision will impact them or those closest to them. As for stewards, we make decisions based on what we humbly believe God wants us to do for His purposes, not ours. Matthew 6:33 instructs us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. This means that in all our thoughts, behaviors, actions and decisions, we must put the Kingdom of God first before ourselves.

What can we do to exhibit stewardship?  Let me suggest a few things:
1.    Take time to review your vision and mission to determine if they both honor God and acknowledge that the organization is His.

2.    Develop a ministry plan that is funded and focuses on spreading the Gospel in some way.

3.    Allow time for unhurried quiet time and prayer to determine if the vision, purpose and current key initiatives are appropriate in light of your role as a steward, not an owner.

4.    Take regular and scheduled time to reflect on whether your priorities, both in the organization as well as outside, are aligned with God’s priorities given your role as a steward for what He has given you.

5.    Reflect on the current policies you or your organization practice in terms of treatment of employees. Are they appropriate for a steward of God’s organization? Change what you can so they are in line with what God would expect.

6.    Ensure that each employee under your supervision has a targeted development plan in place designed to maximize the use of the talents God has provided them whether they are Christian or not.

What are some other ideas that you have regarding stewardship?