“Stewardship is defined as “the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.” A steward is one entrusted with managing the property of another. He [or She] is only a manager or caretaker, not the owner…Good stewardship leads to surplus, bad stewardship results in debt. When people are assigned to manage resources, they are expected to bring about increase, not decrease. Applied to money, the good steward must ensure that income is greater than expenses…
I believe that God wants believers to practice but stewardship and generosity. These two are linked together. If one is a faithful, competent steward, he will generate surplus. A major part of this surplus can then be given away…To be a good steward, a person must be frugal and wise in this lifestyle so that he [or she] can engage in a lot of good works. The theologian John R. W. Stott wrote, “We should travel light and live simply. Our enemy is not possessions but excess.”
Rene Resurreccion in “Practical Applications of Stewardship” article in The Earth is the Lord’s: Reflections on Stewardship in the Asian Context (Quezon City/Manila: Asian Theological Seminary/OMF Literature, 2011) 146-150.
Yesterday a Canadian urged us to teach and preach stewardship, and today a Filipino urges is to practice stewardship and generosity. When we live within our means and put God’s resources to work, it results in surplus for sharing. What about you? Does your stewardship result in surplus or are you enslaved to debt? Are you engaging in good works or overcome by excess? Resolve today to travel light and live simply so you can be found both faithful and generous.
Jenni and I are heading home from San Diego today. Since Sophie loves coffee and often studies at her favorite coffee shop, we left her with a gift card. Her response blessed us. She said, “Thanks,” and added, “And I hope it’s okay, since I am living within my budget, every chance I get, I buy coffee for my friends, just like you guys taught me.” Priceless! Good stewardship leads to surplus and generous sharing!