Ten T’s of Stewardship

This uncertain year has left many thinking about the end of the world. But what do end time events have to do with stewardship? Look at the parable of the ten virgins. Five wisely planned ahead, while five foolishly did not. Learning to manage God’s resources will help you be prepared for perilous times. The words of Jeremiah ring true today: “If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?” Jeremiah 12:5. To be wise and prepared, consider these areas of stewardship in your life. 

1: Time. Time is perhaps the most important of all our resources, because the management of everything else is largely based on how much time we allocate to it. Learn more: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. 

2: Talents. Even if you think you don’t have a God-given talent, you do! God has given everyone the ability to contribute in a unique way to the building up of the body of Christ on Earth. Learn more: Matthew 25:14-30. 

3: Testimony. Just as Paul was always ready to give a defense for his beliefs, we too must be ready. However, like Jesus, we must know when it is appropriate to share and when it is best to stay silent. Learn more: 1 Peter 3:15. 

4: Treasure. Jesus spoke about money more than other resources. He taught how important it is to learn and apply biblical principles to finances. Learn more: Matthew 6:19-21. 

5: Temple. We uphold the healing ministry of Jesus when we take care of every aspect of our health: mind, body and spirit. Learn more: 1 Corinthians 6:19. 

6: Territory. When we do small acts, such as plant a garden, show kindness to animals or choose to recycle, we are a part of the stewardship of the Earth that God assigned humans at Creation. Learn more: Genesis 1:28. 

7: Truth. God entrusted us with the truth that will set us free. Good stewards seek to understand the truth and present it with love. Learn more: Ephesians 4:11-15. 

8: Tongue. Words have the power to give life or take it away. By only choosing uplifting words, we make the most of the resources of the tongue. Learn more: James 3:1-11. 

9: Technology. What we look at online, how much time we spend on the phone, what we post on social media–all of our digital decisions affect our quality of life and our relationship with God and others. Learn more: Ecclesiastes 12:12. 

10: Tribe. Friends and family are a gift from God. When we invest in relationships, it is a blessing to us and others. Learn more: Joshua 24:15.

By Robert Quintana, Pastor and Stewardship Director