Being a Good Steward

Last time, we talked about setting goals according to God’s will. Today, we look at how to be a good steward according to the Bible.

Faithfully Managing What God Has Entrusted to You

Everything we have was given to us by God. He has so many free gifts for us: His generosity knows no bounds. All He really asks in return is that we try the best we can to be good stewards of what He has given us.

When we hear the word “stewardship,” many of us immediately think of money. While finances are certainly part of biblical stewardship, Scripture paints a much broader picture. To be a good steward means to faithfully manage everything God has placed in our care—our time, talents, resources, relationships, and opportunities—for His glory.

Stewardship isn’t about perfection or pressure. It’s about faithfulness. God is not asking us to do everything. But what He has given us to do, we ought to do it well, wisely, and with a willing heart.

What Does It Mean to Be a Good Steward?

At its core, biblical stewardship recognizes one simple truth: Everything belongs to God.

From the very beginning, Scripture establishes humanity’s role as caretakers of God’s creation:

“And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion…” (Genesis 1:28 KJV)

This dominion was never about domination or selfish gain. It was about responsibility. God entrusted humanity with His creation, expecting care, wisdom, and obedience in return.

The apostle Paul later summarizes this responsibility clearly:

“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2)

Faithfulness, not fame or success, is the true measure of good stewardship in God’s eyes.

Understanding Stewardship Through Jesus’ Teachings

Jesus frequently used parables to teach about stewardship, accountability, and readiness.

One of the clearest examples is the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25. In the story, servants are entrusted with varying amounts of money while their master is away. Those who invested and multiplied what they were given were praised, while the one who hid his talent out of fear was rebuked.

The message is clear: God expects us to use what He has given us, not bury it.

Similarly, in Luke 12, Jesus speaks of a faithful and wise steward who manages the household well in the master’s absence:

“For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” (Luke 12:48)

With greater blessings comes greater responsibility. Whether God has given you much or little, He calls you to be faithful with what you have.

Key Principles of Biblical Stewardship

1. Faithfulness Over Flashiness

God is far more concerned with faithfulness than visibility. You don’t need a large platform or impressive title to be a good steward. What matters is obedience in the everyday things.

Faithfulness looks like:

• Showing up consistently
• Honoring commitments
• Using your gifts with integrity

Small acts of obedience matter deeply to God.

2. Responsibility Before Results

Stewardship means recognizing that everything we have—our time, talent, treasure, and testimony—came from and ultimately belongs to God.

When we understand this, we stop asking, “What do I want to do with my life?” and start asking, “Lord, what would You have me do with what You’ve given me?”

That shift changes everything.

3. Diligence in Work and Calling

The Bible consistently affirms the value of diligence and hard work:

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” (Colossians 3:23)

Whether your work is seen or unseen, paid or unpaid, it matters to God. Stewardship means offering your best, not for human praise but as an act of worship.

4. Generosity Toward Others

True stewardship is never self-centered. God blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others.

Scripture encourages believers:

“That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate.” (1 Timothy 6:18)

Generosity reflects God’s heart. It can look like giving financially, offering your time, sharing encouragement, or meeting practical needs. When we give freely, we mirror the generosity God has shown us.

5. Using Your Gifts to Serve

Every believer has been given spiritual gifts for a purpose:

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10)

Your gifts—whether teaching, creativity, leadership, compassion, or service—are not accidental. They are tools meant to build up others and glorify God.

You don’t need to compare your gifts to someone else’s. Faithful stewardship means using what you have been given to the best of your ability.

Living as a Faithful Steward Today

Being a good steward isn’t about perfection. It’s about having a willing heart that says, “Lord, this all belongs to You. I will do my best to take care of it.”

As you reflect, consider asking yourself:

• Am I using my time in ways that honor God?
• Am I being faithful with the resources He’s given me?
• How can I better serve others through what I have?

When stewardship becomes a way of life, it transforms ordinary moments into acts of worship.

God is not looking for flawless performance. He is looking for faithful hearts.

And when He finds them, He delights in saying:

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21 KJV)