Is Stewardship Still Applicable?

King David wrote, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it” (Ps. 24:1, NIV). This verse clearly states that everything and everyone belong to God. If everything belongs to God, then ultimately, nothing belongs to us. Everything we have belongs to God. Even our bodies belong to God, as Paul underlined: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own” (1 Cor. 6:19, NIV). We are not owners—we are stewards.

A steward is someone who takes care of someone else’s property and affairs. God has entrusted us with our time, our money, our talents, and our bodies. These are the four Ts of Stewardship: Time, Treasures, Talents, and Temple. Even though we refer to them as “ours,” they belong to God, and He will hold us accountable for how we use them.

Today more than ever we need to be responsible for the things God has entrusted to us. If we look around us we see that we are destroying ourselves and the earth. Now is the time for Christians to make a difference. You can begin with the following:

1. Time. Decide to dedicate time for God each day and each week. Make it a point to observe the Sabbath and be intentional about it. Schedule some time each week to do something for someone in need, and spend time helping someone else.
2. Treasures. Return a faithful tithe, and set aside money for an offering each paycheck. If you are not working, think about the things you have that you no longer use. Maybe you can sell them and bring the tithe and an offering to church from that sale. Find out if you can do some work for someone in your community. Charge them a small fee, and separate the tithe and an offering from the money you make. Start a recycling program in your community or your church, or start at home.
3. Talents. What are you really good at? It could be a sport, drawing, singing, playing an instrument, video games, cooking, or cleaning. Wherever your skills lie, use them for God and the church. Give your talent to God and use it for His glory.
4. Temple. Choose to take care of your body, your spiritual temple (1 Cor. 6:19). Exercise and eat a healthy diet. Get outdoors and enjoy sunlight and fresh air. Drink plenty of water. Get ample rest. Commit to not engage in any sexual activity outside marriage. Practice moderation, and trust in God.

The time has come for a generation of responsible stewards. Too many generations have come and gone, only to hurt the planet and each other. It’s time to live up to the apostle Peter’s words: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9).