In our society, money is often seen as a symbol of power, security, and success. We work hard to earn, save, and invest, believing it holds the key to our happiness and fulfillment. Yet, from a biblical perspective, money is not ours to claim. It is a resource entrusted to us by God, and how we use it reflects our stewardship—a responsibility to manage God’s resources in a way that honors Him.
The Nature of Money
Money is a medium of exchange, a representation of value, and a means of facilitating transactions. However, beyond its economic function, money carries significant power. It can be used to build, bless, uplift, or be wielded destructively, leading to greed, corruption, and oppression. The power of money lies not in the currency itself but in how it is utilized by those who possess it.
The Bible is clear that wealth, like all things, comes from God. Deuteronomy 8:18 states, “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the power to get wealth.” This verse reminds us that our ability to earn money is a gift from God, which carries a responsibility. Money, therefore, is not an end in itself but a tool that must be used according to God’s purposes.
In the New Testament, Jesus speaks frequently about money and wealth, often warning against the dangers of loving money more than God. In Matthew 6:24, He says, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” This passage highlights the importance of placing God above material wealth and recognizing that money should serve God’s purposes rather than becoming an idol in our lives.
Gratitude as the Foundation of Stewardship
if we look at it from a grateful point of view, we can reshape our viewpoint with money and resources. When we recognize that everything we have is a gift from God, our perspective on money shifts from ownership to stewardship. Gratitude cultivates a mindset of thankfulness for God’s provision and a desire to use our resources in ways that honor Him.
The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of gratitude in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, where he writes, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This attitude of gratitude is not contingent on our financial situation but is a constant recognition of God’s goodness and faithfulness. When we are grateful, we are less likely to hoard wealth or use it selfishly; instead, we seek to bless others as we have been blessed.
Gratitude also helps us to avoid the pitfalls of greed and materialism. In 1 Timothy 6:6-10, Paul warns, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. We brought nothing into the world and can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to get rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” Here, Paul contrasts the dangers of loving money with the contentment that comes from godliness and gratitude.
One of the most potent biblical stewardship teachings is the Parable of the Talents, recorded in Matthew 25:14-30. In this parable, Jesus tells the story of a man who goes on a journey and entrusts his wealth to his servants. To one servant, he gives five talents; to another, two talents; and to a third, one talent, each according to his ability. The first two servants invest their talents and double their master’s money, while the third servant buries his talent in the ground out of fear.
When the master returns, he commends the first two servants for their faithfulness and rewards them with greater responsibilities. However, the third servant is rebuked for his laziness and lack of initiative, and his talent is removed. The parable ends with a sobering statement: “For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have, will be taken from them.”
The Parable of the Talents is a profound lesson in stewardship. The talents in the parable represent the resources, opportunities, and abilities that God has entrusted to each of us. The master expects that his servants will use these gifts wisely and productively, not merely for their benefit but for the benefit of the master. In the same way, God expects us to use the resources He has given us—our time, talents, and money—in ways that advance His kingdom and reflect His character.
The third servant’s failure is not in losing the master’s money but in failing to use it. This underscores the importance of taking initiative and being proactive in our stewardship. God does not call us passive recipients of His blessings but active participants in His work. The reward for faithful stewardship is the return on investment and the opportunity to share in God’s joy and be entrusted with even greater responsibilities.
Stewardship Beyond Money: Time and Talents
While money is an essential aspect of stewardship, it is not the only resource that God has entrusted to us. Our time and talents are equally valuable, something we must steward with the same care and intentionality.
At my age, time is a precious resource that, once spent, cannot be reclaimed. Ephesians 5:15-16 urges believers to “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” This passage reminds us that time is short and that we must use it wisely, prioritizing the things that matter most—our relationship with God, our families, our communities, and our service to others.
Stewarding our time well requires intentionality and discipline. It means setting aside time for prayer, worship, and studying God’s word, building meaningful relationships, and serving those in need. It also means avoiding the distractions and time-wasters that distract us from God’s purposes.
Our talents and abilities are another area of stewardship. Romans 12:6-8 teaches, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy by your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” This passage reminds us that God has gifted us with unique talents and abilities and calls us to use them to serve others.
Stewarding our talents means recognizing that our abilities are not our own but are gifts from God, meant to be used for His glory. It means developing our skills, using them to bless others, and seeking opportunities to serve in ways that align with our God-given strengths.
