Being a good steward means caring for what God gives us. Today, we’ll explore what the Bible says about managing resources, time, and talents wisely. By being good stewards, we honor God and bless others.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Adultery And Forgiveness
What Does The Bible Say About Being Good Stewards
Genesis 1:28
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
This verse establishes the responsibility of human beings as stewards of God’s creation. We are called to rule over the earth and its creatures, but this dominion comes with the obligation to care for and manage it wisely.
As stewards, we are entrusted with the preservation and sustainability of the resources and living beings under our care, reflecting God’s character as the ultimate creator and caretaker of all things.
Matthew 25:14-15
“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.”
This parable of the talents illustrates the concept of stewardship through the story of a master entrusting his wealth to his servants. Each was given resources according to their abilities, emphasizing the importance of using what we have been given wisely.
Being good stewards requires us to recognize that everything we have comes from God, and we are accountable for how we use and invest our time, talents, and resources to bring about God’s purposes and multiply what has been entrusted to us.
1 Corinthians 4:2
“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”
This verse speaks to the faithfulness required of stewards. As recipients of God’s trust, we are called to be faithful in managing and administering the resources and responsibilities entrusted to us.
It is not enough to simply possess or have authority over something; we must demonstrate integrity and accountability in how we handle our various roles and possessions, displaying a faithful stewardship that honors God.
Luke 12:42
“And the Lord replied, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time?”
This verse highlights the qualities of a faithful and wise steward. Such a steward is entrusted with the responsibility of caring for and providing for those under their charge, ensuring that their needs are met in a timely and appropriate manner.
Being a good steward involves displaying wisdom, discernment, and faithfulness in attending to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of others, demonstrating the love and provision of our Heavenly Father.
Psalm 24:1
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
This verse lays the foundation for our understanding of stewardship by affirming that everything belongs to God, and we are simply temporary caretakers of His creation.
Recognizing that we are not owners but stewards of the earth and its resources should motivate us to care for, respect, and utilize them in a manner that aligns with God’s desires and honors His ownership.
Proverbs 27:23
“Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.”
This verse highlights the importance of diligence in stewardship. Just as a shepherd knows the condition of their flocks and gives attention to them, a faithful steward should be aware of the state of their possessions and responsibly manage them.
Being a good steward requires being attentive, proactive, and knowledgeable about the resources under our care, ensuring their well-being and maximizing their potential for God’s glory.
Matthew 6:19-20
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
This verse challenges our perspective on material possessions and wealth. Instead of focusing on accumulating earthly treasures that are temporary and vulnerable to loss or destruction, we are urged to prioritize accumulating treasures in heaven, which have eternal value.
Being good stewards requires aligning our priorities with God’s kingdom and investing in eternal things rather than being consumed by worldly possessions, recognizing that true wealth lies in our relationship with God and the impact we make for His kingdom.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
This verse reminds us that our stewardship extends to every aspect of our lives, including our work. Whether in our careers, studies, or daily tasks, we are called to approach them with diligence, excellence, and integrity.
Being good stewards mean recognizing that our efforts should not be driven solely by human approval or personal gain but by the understanding that our work is ultimately for the glory of God, reflecting His character and serving His purposes.
Deuteronomy 8:18
“But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”
This verse emphasizes the divine origin of our abilities and the provision of resources. It serves as a reminder that all our skills, opportunities, and possessions are gifts from God, and we should acknowledge Him as the ultimate source.
As good stewards, we recognize that our abilities and resources are not self-generated or self-sustained but are given to us by God. This understanding humbles us and motivates us to use our gifts in ways that honor Him.
Luke 16:10-12
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?”
This passage highlights the principle of faithfulness in stewardship by emphasizing that our level of trustworthiness with small or worldly things reflects our capacity to handle greater responsibilities or spiritual blessings.
Being good stewards necessitates demonstrating integrity and faithfulness even in seemingly insignificant areas, recognizing that our actions in the present affect our future opportunities and reveal our character.
Matthew 20:26
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”
This verse challenges our cultural understanding of greatness by highlighting the servant-hearted nature of true leadership and stewardship. Rather than seeking power, recognition, or control, being a good steward involves adopting a humble and selfless posture.
Following the example of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve, we are called to prioritize the needs of others and use our positions and resources to bring about their well-being and growth.
Romans 12:6-8
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
This passage highlights the diversity of gifts and roles within the body of Christ. Being good stewards involves recognizing and utilizing our unique God-given abilities and passions, using them to serve others and build up the Kingdom.
Stewardship is not limited to financial resources but encompasses a wide range of talents and callings. By embracing and developing our gifts, we contribute to the flourishing of God’s work and the impact we have on others.
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
This verse reinforces the idea that our gifts are not meant for personal gain or self-promotion, but rather to serve others as conduits of God’s grace. Our abilities and talents are given to us as a means to bless and impact the world.
As faithful stewards of God’s grace, we are called to use our gifts in ways that reflect His love and compassion, seeking to bring about transformation, healing, and reconciliation in the lives of those around us.
1 Timothy 6:17-19
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
This passage addresses the responsibility of those who have been blessed with material wealth. Being good stewards of riches involves recognizing that true hope and security come from God, not from worldly possessions.
We are called to use our resources for good, being generous and willing to share with others in need. By doing so, we lay up treasures in heaven and experience the joy and fulfillment of a life that is truly abundant.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
This passage highlights the principle of generosity in stewardship. Being good stewards means recognizing that what we sow, or give, determines what we reap. It encourages us to embrace a spirit of generosity and giving from the heart.
We are not to give out of obligation or manipulation but with a joyful and willing attitude, understanding that God’s blessing and provision are not limited but abundant for those who give with an open hand.
Psalm 112:5
“Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of conducting our financial affairs with integrity and fairness. Being good stewards of our finances involves using them wisely, including helping others in need and conducting business dealings with honesty and righteousness.
God’s blessings are upon those who display generosity and a commitment to fairness, showing that stewardship extends beyond personal gain to positively impact the lives of others.
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
This verse speaks to the proper use of freedom and emphasizes the idea that stewardship involves using our liberties in ways that honor and benefit others.
Being good stewards of our freedom means employing it to serve and love one another, resisting the desire to indulge our selfish desires and instead actively seeking the well-being and flourishing of those around us.
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
This verse highlights the principle that giving leads to receiving. Being good stewards involves recognizing the generous nature of God and responding by freely giving to others.
When we give generously of our resources, time, and love, God promises to pour blessings into our lives in abundance. Our measure of generosity determines the measure with which we will be blessed.
Proverbs 11:24-25
“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
This passage echoes the theme of generous giving and its correlation with abundance and prosperity. Being good stewards means understanding that generosity leads to blessings, both for ourselves and for those we bless.
By freely giving and refreshing others, we position ourselves to receive refreshment and provision from God. In contrast, a withholding and selfish posture leads to poverty and lack.
James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
This verse reinforces the truth that all good and perfect gifts come from God. Being good stewards requires acknowledging that every resource, talent, or opportunity is a gift from our Heavenly Father.
Understanding the source of our blessings promotes gratitude and humility, enabling us to use what we have been given responsibly and in ways that reflect the nature and character of our generous God.
Ephesians 4:28
“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”
This verse addresses the issue of wrongful gain and provides guidance for being good stewards of our time, abilities, and resources.
Instead of engaging in dishonest practices or taking advantage of others, we are called to engage in meaningful work that produces something of value. The purpose behind our labor is not solely personal gain but also to have something to share with those in need.
Luke 16:11
“So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?”
This verse highlights the relationship between faithfulness in stewardship and the trust God places in us. Our faithfulness with earthly possessions is seen as an indication of our readiness to handle greater spiritual riches.
Being good stewards involves recognizing that our integrity and trustworthiness in managing earthly resources reflect our readiness to receive and faithfully handle the blessings and responsibilities of God’s Kingdom.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
This verse encourages us to prioritize the Kingdom of God over our personal desires or concerns about material provision. Being good stewards involves seeking God’s purposes and aligning our lives with His righteousness.
When we make the Kingdom of God our primary focus, trusting in His provision, we can be assured that all our needs will be met. Stewardship then becomes a journey of faith and surrender, relying on God’s faithfulness.