From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
Luke 12:48
Christian Stewardship actually applies to everything we have been given. Our time, our money, our God given gifts and abilities, our influence, it all comes from God. Our finances tend to be the key area that people refer to when speaking of stewardship. because it is often that money is one of the most difficult things for people to give. Most people are okay giving energy, time, or sharing abilities, but money is not something they are interested in giving away.
The actual definition of stewardship is:
- the office, duties, and obligations of a steward
- the conducting, supervising, or managing of something; especially: the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care <stewardship of our natural resources>
When it says “managing of something,” it implies that we have decisions to make and are responsible for that which we are stewards over. Just like a manager of business is responsible for his/her department and employees, so we are with all that has been entrusted to us. God has named us as stewards, giving us the honor of being responsible for His Works. Everything we do acts out that stewardship, and needs to be done as well, as carefully, and as gladly as if God was going to inspect our work when we're finished each task.
