Following Jesus' Example: How to Be a Faithful Steward

Discover how Jesus modeled biblical stewardship and learn practical ways to be a good steward of your resources. Be inspired to honor God with your time, talents, and finances.

As Christians, we often hear about the importance of being good stewards of the resources that God has given us. But what does that even mean? And how can we know if we're doing it right?

Fortunately, we have a perfect model to follow in Jesus Christ. Throughout his time on earth, Jesus showed us what it looks like to be a faithful steward of all that God has given us. In this article, we'll explore some of the ways in which Jesus modeled biblical stewardship and how we can apply those principles to our own lives.

What is Stewardship?

Before we dive into how Jesus modeled stewardship, let's take a moment to define what we mean by that term. Simply put, stewardship is the responsible management of resources that have been entrusted to us. In a Christian context, that means recognizing that everything we have ultimately belongs to God and that we are simply caretakers of those resources while we're here on earth.

This includes not only our financial resources, but also our time, our talents, and our relationships. In other words, everything we have and everything we are should be used in a way that honors God and reflects his character.

Jesus' Example of Stewardship

So how did Jesus model this kind of stewardship? Let's take a look at a few examples from his life and teachings.

1. He Recognized that Everything Belongs to God

One of the foundational principles of biblical stewardship is recognizing that everything ultimately belongs to God. Jesus clearly understood this truth and repeatedly emphasized it in his teaching.

In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus tells the story of a man who entrusts his servants with various sums of money while he goes away on a journey. When he returns, he asks each servant to give an account of what they've done with the money.

The two servants who invested the money and earned a return are commended by their master, while the one who simply buried the money in the ground is rebuked. The point of the parable is clear: we are stewards of the resources that God has given us, and we will be held accountable for how we use them.

2. He Was Generous with His Resources

Another way in which Jesus modeled biblical stewardship was through his generosity. He gave freely of his time, his energy, and his material resources to those in need.

In the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:1-15), Jesus takes five loaves of bread and two fish and miraculously multiplies them to feed a crowd of thousands. He could have easily kept the food for himself and his disciples, but instead he chose to use it to meet the needs of others.

Similarly, in the story of the woman who anointed Jesus' feet with expensive perfume (Luke 7:36-50), Jesus defends her actions and commends her for her generosity. He recognizes that her gift is an act of worship and a reflection of her deep love for him.

3. He Prioritized Relationships over Possessions

Another aspect of biblical stewardship is recognizing that relationships are more important than possessions. Jesus lived this out in his own life, consistently prioritizing people over material things.

In the story of the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-31), a man comes to Jesus and asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor, but the man goes away sad because he is unwilling to do so.

The point of the story is not that we all need to sell everything we own and live in poverty. Rather, it's a reminder that our relationships with God and with others are more important than any material possessions we might have.

4. He Was a Good Steward of His Time

Finally, Jesus modeled good stewardship of his time. He recognized that his time on earth was limited and that he had a specific mission to accomplish.

In John 9:4, he says, "As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." He was focused on doing the work that God had called him to do, and he didn't waste time on things that didn't matter.

Applying Jesus' Example to Our Lives

So how can we apply these principles of biblical stewardship to our own lives? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Recognize that everything belongs to God. This means acknowledging that we are stewards, not owners, of our resources.

2. Be generous with our resources. Whether it's our money, our time, or our talents, we should be willing to use what we have to bless others and advance God's kingdom.

3. Prioritize relationships over possessions. We should be willing to let go of anything that gets in the way of our relationships with God and with others.

4. Be good stewards of our time. This means being intentional about how we spend our days and focusing on the things that truly matter.

FAQs:

1. What does the Bible say about financial stewardship?
The Bible teaches that we are to be good stewards of the financial resources that God has given us. This includes being generous, avoiding debt, and using our money in a way that honors God.

2. How can I be a better steward of my time?
To be a better steward of your time, start by setting clear priorities and focusing on the things that truly matter. Avoid time-wasters and distractions, and be intentional about how you spend your days.

3. Is it wrong to enjoy the blessings that God has given us?
No, it's not wrong to enjoy the blessings that God has given us. However, we should always remember that those blessings ultimately belong to God and that we are simply caretakers of them while we're here on earth.

4. What are some practical ways to be a generous steward of our resources?
Some practical ways to be a generous steward of our resources include giving to charitable causes, volunteering our time and talents, and using our financial resources to bless others.

5. How can I know if I'm being a good steward of my resources?
Ultimately, the best way to know if you're being a good steward of your resources is to seek God's guidance and wisdom. Ask him to show you how to use your resources in a way that honors him and blesses others.