We Christians use the word” management” often, and when we do, we often use it to describe how we treat two points: our income and the natural world. Have you, however, considered how the idea of management applies to each aspect of our lives?
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This is how one may view us, as employees of Christ and managers of the treasures of God, as Paul wrote to the temple in Corinth about the disciples ‘ government. Also, it is required of managers that they be found honest” ( 1 Corinthians 4: 1-2, ESV). This includes both the prophets and us as well.
That’s why we see sections like these throughout God’s Word:
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10: 31 ( ESV )
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether kings or kingdoms or kings or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all stuff hold up.
Colossians 1: 16-17 ( ESV )
Whatever you do, put your heart out for the Lord, never for men, because you know the estate will be yours from the Lord. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3: 23-24 ( ESV )
The earth and those who reside here are God’s, the earth is his, and the world is his, because he built it on the seas and rivers.
Psalm 24: 1-2 ( ESV )
Behold, to the Lord your God relate sky and the god of sky, the world with all that is in it … For the Lord your God is God of angels and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the great God, who is not limited and takes no reward.
Deuteronomy 10: 14, 17 ( ESV )
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It’s even why Jesus told the story of the skills:
For it will be like a person traveling and giving his estate to his employees. To one he gave five abilities, to another two, to another one, to each according to his skill. Next he went ahead. The person who had already received the five qualities immediately exchanged them for more, and he did so at once. Moreover, he who had the two talents even created two more talents. However, the one skill was hidden behind the income of his master when he dug in the ground and hidden it. After a while, the grasp of those employees arrived and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five qualities came forth, bringing five qualities more, saying,’ Master, you delivered to me five abilities, here, I have made five talents more.’ His master said to him,’ Properly done, good and faithful slave. You have been faithful over a little, I may set you over many. Enter into the happiness of your grasp.’ And he also who had the two qualities came forth, saying,’ Master, you delivered to me two capabilities, here, I have made two skills more.’ His master said to him,’ Properly done, good and faithful slave. You have been faithful over a little, I may set you over many. Enter into the happiness of your learn.’ He likewise who had received the one skill came forth, saying,’ Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not pig, and gathering where you scattered no plant, so I was frightened, and I went and hid your expertise in the floor. Here, you have what is yours.’ But his master answered him,’ You wicked and slothful servant! You were aware that I gather where I had not sown and reap where I had not sown? Then you ought to have used the bankers to invest my money, and at my arrival, I ought to have received what I had paid with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to the person who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. However, even what he has will be taken away from the one who does not. And cast the unworthy servant into the depths of night. There will be teeth gnashing and weeping there.
Matthew 25: 14-30 ( ESV )
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This is a message that was recently made in a BetterMan devotional email:” The faithful man knows he is a steward of God’s resources. You make good on promises. You’re a man of your word. You finish the contract”.
” Treat everything like it’s God’s because nothing is yours”, the devotional continues, with an emphasis in the original.  ,” Treat everything like it’s God’s. Why? Because God owns everything. The person who lives in this manner will be referred to as faithful. Not because he’s faithful to himself, but because this man understands God’s authority in his life”.
Stewardship does n’t just involve putting aside money for church services or making an offering. It’s more than not littering or not polluting. It’s about giving your best for God’s glory in every aspect of your life.
Stewardship is doing your best at work, not cutting corners, and acting with integrity. It’s about being the best family member, friend, and church member that you can be. It involves having faith that everything you possess comes from God. As Jesus ‘ brother James wrote,” Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” ( James 1: 17, ESV).
