Stewardship

When you hear the word “stewardship” what comes to mind?

In my line of work, the moment I mention stewardship is usually the moment I see people grip their wallets. Stewardship has become synonymous with money but I believe that stewardship is a principle that supersedes the realm of personal finance. I strongly believe stewardship in all areas of life is one of the cornerstones of great leadership. 

Luke 16:10 truly encapsulates the principle of stewardship. It reads: “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much, and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.” It is quite black and white: everything we do in life is a reflection of stewardship.

God is dynamic. He is multifaceted. God as master calls us to steward what He’s given us and has conditions. My role is to manage all the gifts, talents, and abilities God has placed in front of me; I look at the story of Kingdomcity as a journey of stewardship. And I’ve seen that journey play out in 4 acts. 

Process

God’s process to blessing is absolutely tied to our stewardship. 

In Luke 19 we read about the three servants. One servant receives 10 minas, the second 5, and the last 1. The first 2 earned more for the master and the last remained stagnant and earned nothing for the master. Each was rewarded as such. 

What we see is two things: (1) God’s qualifier for increase is directly tied to stewardship and (2) God’s rewarding system is disproportionate. 

Increase

Don't try to add more to your life, increase will come when we are faithful with what we have in front of us. Perhaps you work in the sphere of business and you feel that you have been looked over for a promotion but always remember that stewardship isn’t what you do when the boss is watching, it’s what you do when no one is watching. Stewardship is God watching us in secret. 

Don’t be discouraged, remain the course because along with process and increase is timing. 

Timing 

It is vital to stop comparing to the process and timing of others. Stewardship is not a linear equation, stewardship means surrendering timing.

Timing means posturing yourself to say “I am willing to serve in this role as long as God needs me there.” 

Risk 

Risk is living outside of my comfort zone with the peace of God. Peace does not guarantee the outcome but it does guarantee that God will be with you. Risk is proved by its increase; ask yourself “If what I'm responsible for is not growing, what risk am I not taking?” 

There is no such thing as risk-free stewardship.
Risk is both relational and relative.

What do I mean by this? 

Relational: If I needed $1000, it would be a massive risk to ask a stranger but if I were to ask it of my biological father the risk would not be as high. When taking risk, it is important to gauge and take into account the level of intimacy I hold with my Heavenly Father.

Relative: If you step out of the boat, make sure Jesus said come. Never take a risk without mitigation and always seek counsel.

The best way to think of leadership is through the framework of stewardship. As a leader, continue to trust God in the process, timing, increase and keep taking steps of faith.

My closing challenge is to take a personal audit and ponder on what you’re doing with what you’ve been given.

Will you remain faithful or fearful? 

Mark Varughese