If someone asks what it means to be a good steward, what would you say? Most of us in the church world would probably think of money — things like giving, tithing, saving, or budgeting. And we would be right to think of that, but we should think about more than that. Stewardship is broader than finances, deeper than giving.
Scripture teaches the core principle of stewardship: God owns everything — every moment, every gift, every dollar, ever talent, every resource. Everything we possess is the Lord’s, and He has entrusted us to manage these things. Our time, talents, and treasure are not given to us for selfish gain, but for the glory of God and the good of others.
Time: Making the Most of It
Time is our most precious and valuable resource. Life is scarce and limited. Once a moment is spent, it’s gone. James says our life is like a vapor that appears for a little time, and then, poof, it is gone. Wise stewardship begins with realizing our time is not really our own but God’s. It is given to us as a trust. We are simply stewards of it.
Practically speaking, this means looking at our calendars through the lens of God’s Word. We must ask tough questions: Are we spending our hours on what matters most to the Kingdom, or just on what feels fun or comfortable? Are our days filled with the immediate or the eternal? I know time management often feels impossible with our busy lives. But stewardship of time is not about doing more or cramming more into our busy schedules. It is about making intentional choices and doing what matters most.
The Lord gives us time for His good purposes. That might mean spending more time with family, managing money well, committing the necessary time to grow in the Lord, or giving time to disciple another believer. Stewardship of time invites us to align our days with what truly matters most, to invest in things that last eternally.
Talent: Serving with the Gifts God Gave
Every believer has been gifted by God. Each of us has spiritual gifts and abilities meant for God’s purposes. Peter wrote, “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). Our talents are gifts from God intended to bless others and advance the gospel.
We all have unique gifts. No gift is more special than another. In God’s economy, every believer is part of the Body of Christ and has an important role to play in advancing the mission. Some gifts are more visible while others work behind the scenes. The key is not what you’ve been given, but how well you use it. Whether teaching a lesson, greeting guests, singing in the choir, caring for little ones, or repairing things behind the scenes, your gift matters and is to be used for the glory of God. This is being a good steward of God’s grace.
We should start by recognizing our gifts through prayer and reflection, develop them through learning and practice, and use them to their fullest in service to God in every area of our lives. It is amazing what God can do through us when we use our gits for His good purposes.
Treasure: Investing in Eternal Things
Money is a major topic in Scripture, with much teaching regarding the wise stewardship of money. This teaching doesn’t start with a budget but with the belief everything we “own” belongs to God. Our spending, saving, and giving acknowledge this truth. Our actions also reveal the things we truly value. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21).
Stewardship of our treasure is an act of worship and a declaration of trust in God. When believers live with this perspective, it changes everything. We give joyfully, not grudgingly. We budget prayerfully, not carelessly or selfishly. Whether giving to the church, supporting missions, or helping someone in need, every act of generosity reflects our trust in God and echoes our eternal perspective.
Stewarding well in finances involves developing a spending plan, living within our means, giving regularly, and planning for the future. It also involves faith. As we carefully steward the money God has given us, we trust Him to provide our needs and do great things for eternity.
God has called believers to be good stewards. It is the Christian way of life. Stewardship touches every aspect of life, using time, talent, and treasure faithfully for God’s good purposes. Being a good steward is not about perfection. It is about being intentional in honoring God and blessing others with what God has given us. When we steward these things well, our lives become a reflection of His grace, and our faith becomes visible to a watching world.
That’s true stewardship.
About the Writer: Chris Compton is the CFO for Richland Ave Financial. He graduated in 2007 with an M.A. in Bible Exposition from Columbia International University. A 1998 graduate of East Tennessee State University, he has over two decades of administrative and financial experience in various fields, along with seven years in pastoral ministry.
