What Does It Mean to be a "Steward" of All Things…. Including Your Business?

“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”

- 1 Corinthians 4:2

In the business world, the word “stewardship” is often used in reference to wisely handling money. However, those who bring their faith into their work must recognize that it deals with much more than just financial planning. Stewardship is all about balancing everything with which you’ve been trusted. Theologian R.C. Sproul once said, “The worst sin against stewardship is to waste your life.” This speaks directly to our calling in the workplace to share the love of Christ with our whole being. Our life should be lived in service of our Creator. Stewarding the blessings we’ve been given is an important way to represent Christ wherever we go.

Leading a business comes with many challenges and responsibilities. The more ownership you take over your business, the more responsibility you’re likely to take on as well.  This can sometimes allow small things to slip through the cracks. Choices have to be made about what matters take priority. When thinking about stewardship, it’s essential to consider that your personal stewardship leads directly to how you run your business. 

Personal Stewardship

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

-2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Your Faith

Growing in your faith and making room for spiritual growth is vital to effective stewardship in your daily life. Your relationship with God has a significant effect on how you feel and how you interact with the people around you. Make a commitment to fostering good habits and spiritual disciplines in your daily and trusting the Holy Spirit to work through you.

Your Time

Time is the most difficult thing to steward well in your personal life and in your business. Making time for your spiritual growth, family, hobbies, and other activities can feel overwhelming. God knows this, and as good stewards of His blessings, we must be willing to ask Him for help when we need it. Take assessment of your time to see if you’re devoting energy to the things that align with your calling and goals.

Your Resources

In Luke 18, Jesus tells the parable of a rich young ruler who asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus answers that he must sell all that he has and follow him, well aware that this man worshiped his possessions. The rich man ultimately leaves sad. 

Whether it is financial resources, connections, or knowledge, it’s important that, as good stewards, we recognize our resources are finite. Therefore, use your resources for the good of others.

Stewardship in Your Business

“John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.”

-John 3:27

This verse is an important reminder for anyone in the business world. Your business and the opportunities that come with it are a gift entrusted to you. Therefore, you are called to take the same stewardship you utilize in your personal life and put it toward your business. 

Did your business have an extremely successful year financially? Find ways to go above and beyond to reward your staff. Do you have unused space and employees that are hungry for connection? Offer the space a meeting spot for a Bible study or prayer meeting. Has your company built influence over time? Use that influence to make a difference in the lives of those that you have the means to help.

There are so many ways that you can use your business as a tool to share Christ’s love. In many of our stories from businesses across the country, we’ve seen leaders that have come to this realization and used it to change the lives of others. We have been trusted with much, and to whom much is given, much is required. It may be difficult, but stewarding our blessings for the good of those around us is a powerful way to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our workplace.

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  • “Don’t withhold good from someone who deserves it when it is in your power to do so.”
    Proverbs 3:27

  • “Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others.”
    Philippians 2:4

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