The Broader Call of Stewardship

Published September 19, 2025
The Broader Call of Stewardship

The Broader Call of Stewardship  

We are currently in the Season of Creation, an annual five-week period from September 1 to October 4 when Christians around the world focus on prayer and action for the environment. This season encourages us to celebrate God as our Creator and to commit to being faithful stewards of His creation.  

While the term "stewardship" is often narrowly defined within Christian circles—most frequently attached to the idea of tithing or giving financially—its true meaning is much, much broader. Stewardship is an invitation to manage and care for everything God has entrusted to us.  

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More Than Money: Stewarding Your Whole Life  

Stewardship isn't just about how you manage your finances; it's about how you steward your entire life. This is a comprehensive idea with numerous applications, encompassing:  

  • Creation and Human Responsibility: This begins at the very start of the Bible. In Genesis 2:15, "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." We are given a direct, hands-on responsibility to nurture and protect the world around us.  
  • Wealth and Possessions: This is the most common association with stewardship, focusing on the biblical principle of giving from a generous heart. Verses like 2 Corinthians 9:7 encourage us to be "a cheerful giver," reminding us that how we give will be given back to us.  
  • Gifts and Talents: Each of us has unique abilities, passions, and skills. These are not for our own exclusive use but are meant to be used for the good of others and the glory of God (1 Peter 4:10).  
  • Time and Relationships: How we spend our time and invest in the people around us is a crucial part of our stewardship. Our time is a finite resource, and our relationships are a profound gift to be cherished (Ephesians 5:15-16).  
  • Stewardship of Evangelism: This concept is rooted in the idea that our faith, and the mission to share it, is a gift from God that we are responsible for managing and multiplying. The great commission tells us to go into all the world and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).  

True Change Starts from Within  

This broad view of stewardship recognizes a core biblical truth: true, lasting change starts from within a person’s heart, mind, and spirit and works its way outward. The substance of our inner faith directly determines the practice of our outer faith.  

This concept is based in verses like Proverbs 4:23, which states, "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." The "heart" in biblical terms is the command centre of our being, governing our thoughts, motives, and actions. It is where our values are formed and from where our behaviours originate. This is why our stewardship is a reflection of our internal life, a living out of what we truly believe and value.  

Therefore, our actions—whether in caring for creation, managing our finances, or using our time—are not just a checklist of duties. They are a direct expression of the faith and values that reside deep within us.  

As we continue through the Season of Creation, let us ask ourselves: How can I be a more faithful steward of all that God has entrusted to me today?