During my childhood, stewardship discussions at my church primarily centered around finances. Therefore, I grew up believing that being responsible with money equated to good stewardship. However, as I matured, I gained a deeper understanding.
According to the Holman Bible Dictionary, stewardship is utilizing and managing all resources God provides for the glory of God and the betterment of His creation.
Stewardship is a profound and multifaceted concept that extends beyond mere management of finances. It encompasses the responsible oversight of all resources that God provides, including our time, talents, well-being, and relationships.
Over the years, I have become a good steward of my finances. I even discovered my passion for helping others with their finances, which led me to become an accredited personal financial counselor.
However, I recently realized that I have not been using my time efficiently. I found myself drawn to computer games and mind-stimulating apps, neglecting more meaningful pursuits. This led me to question what it looks like to be a good steward of time.I have since learned that using our time wisely involves being with God in prayer and worship, sharing my love with family and friends, and volunteering my time in church and community activities that help others and promote justice.
To address this in my life, I have started to apply the same approach I use as a financial counselor to help me become a better steward of my time:
Evaluation: Assessing how my resources are currently being used and identifying areas for improvement.
Goal Setting: Seeking guidance through prayer, asking God for direction and discernment. Then establishing S.M.A.R.T. goals (goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound).
Planning: Creating a detailed plan for how to achieve these goals. Starting small by taking gradual steps. For example, financially, consider saving just $1 per day; timewise, allocating 2 hours weekly for volunteering.
Accountability: Tracking my progress and adjusting targets as needed.
Remember God has blessed each of us with gifts—time, talent, and treasures. Because we have been given so much, and given the fact there is constant competition for our resources, we should continuously be mindful of the important aspects of being a good steward:
Responsibility: Stewards are expected to manage their resources wisely and prudently. Luke 12:48 emphasizes that to whom much is given, much will be required, indicating that greater resources or authority come with increased responsibility.
Accountability: Stewards are answerable for their actions and decisions. As Romans 14:12 suggests, each person will give an account of themselves to God, highlighting the personal nature of stewardship.
Humility: A steward should not be arrogant or boastful about their position or possessions. 1 Timothy 6:17 advises those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant or put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God.
Stewardship is not a one-time event; it is a lifelong journey. Most essential to stewardship is the call to use our gifts to serve others (1 Peter 4:10). By doing so, we reflect God's love and contribute to the well-being of creation.
I still indulge in computer games and mind-stimulating apps, but I give myself a time limit. And I regularly ask myself, “Am I using all my resources God has provided me for His glory?”
May God find each of us to be faithful on our stewardship journeys.
Meet the author!
Kimberly Moorehead is a wife, mother, grandmother, and a member of the CRBC staff. She has been living in Oklahoma for the past 9 years. However, her military career and her husband’s current employment has provided her the opportunity to travel to and live in various places, both stateside and abroad. She is an accredited financial counselor which helps her fulfill her passion to assist others ono their journey to financial free.