Faithfulness With What's Entrusted
Everything we have — our time, our money, our gifts — belongs to God. We're not owners; we're stewards who will one day give an account.
What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
Getting Started
Take turns reading each of these verses out loud:
As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years, yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; for soon it is gone and we fly away…so teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:10, 12
Honor the LORD from your wealth and from the first of all your produce.
Proverbs 3:9
As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
1 Peter 4:10
He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.
Luke 16:10
So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.
Romans 14:12
As these verses show, the Bible is clear: our time on earth is limited, and each of us will give God an account of how we used the resources He has entrusted to us. Because of this, the Bible often calls Christians stewards.
In biblical times, a steward was someone given the responsibility and authority to manage the affairs of a household — and if we examine the parables and language of Jesus, we see an emphasis on the call for us to be fruitful with what God has given us.
The Bible speaks of three main areas of stewardship: time, money, and spiritual gifts.
Reflect
Where in your life do you tend to act more like an owner than a steward?
If you knew you'd give an account today for how you've stewarded your time, money, and gifts this year, would you be eager to answer, or would you want more time?
Numbering Our Days
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15–16
We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.
John 9:4
The Bible calls us to make the most of our time here on earth, as our time here is short and we're not guaranteed tomorrow. Once time is spent, it can't be returned.
Assuming you work 40 hours a week and sleep 8 hours a night, that still leaves 72 hours a week that are completely free. How are you spending those hours? On the things of God or your own desires and comforts?
Do you actually know where those hours are going? Time works like money — if you don't budget it, you won't know where it's being spent.
Reflect
If God were to ask you to account for the time you've spent last week, would you be nervous to answer? Why or why not?
Where Your Treasure Is
But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
1 Timothy 6:9–10
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also…no one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.
Matthew 6:20–21, 24
The Bible is clear: money should not rival God in our affections. Money itself isn't sinful, the love of it is, and that love causes us much trouble. Our posture toward money should be this: it's a tool God has given us, but our trust ultimately rests on Him to meet all of our needs. (Read Psalm 34:10 and Hebrews 13:5)
Reflect
In light of 1 Timothy 6:9–10 and Matthew 6:20–21 and 24, how has your mindset been toward money? Do you view it as a God-given resource or as something to be accumulated and desired?
For the Common Good
As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
1 Peter 4:10
But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
1 Corinthians 12:7
When we're saved, the Holy Spirit gives each of us gifts to build up other believers and the church. When you help someone understand what the Bible says, comfort others when they're hurting, invite people into your home and feed them, or encourage and pray for someone during worship, you're using your spiritual gifts!
Reflect
What ways of serving in the church or body of believers do you enjoy, or feel you're good at? How could you keep growing in that?
Taking It Forward
Reflect
One thing God showed me in this time:
What's one practical step you can take this week to grow in stewarding your time, money, or gifts more faithfully?
Close in Prayer
Pray together.
