According to the Bible, all Christians are to practice Biblical Stewardship. But what is stewardship? What does the Bible teach about it? This article will address that question.
What is Stewardship?
Stewardship is a practice performed by a steward. A steward is an individual who takes care of the property or possessions of another. This practice is called stewardship.
What is Biblical Stewardship?
When thinking about being a steward or stewardship, we often think of physical things such as property, money, and things of that nature. But there is another aspect of stewardship we don’t hear much about: we are to be stewards of one another.
After God created Adam, He said, “It is not good that the man should be alone… [Genesis 2:18]
So, God gave him a gift. He created the woman and blessed them both to be fruitful and multiply. Therefore, we are God’s creation—God’s property; life is a gift, and we are to care for ourselves and one another. Each individual we encounter is a gift, and we should treat them as such—that is, as much as possible.
Please observe what the Word of God says in Philippians 2:2-5: NKJV.
2. fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
4. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
5. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
To repeat verse 3, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”
In other words, don’t be selfish, and don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than ourselves. This passage is about Biblical stewardship.
This is a command from the Scriptures—God’s Word. It covers a multitude of categories. But this article will only cover one.
One of the things that differentiates us from animals is the ability to communicate through speech. Speech is a beautiful gift. But like the other gifts God has bestowed upon us, the devil intervenes and turns it into something for ill—if we allow him to.
While this article is not about the tongue, it does address the topic of conversation. To a significant degree, our society and our culture have lost the art of conversation. Just as our culture has allowed our morality to go south, our fundamental upbringing and etiquette have gone with it.
To throw out a couple of questions for thought: when was the last time you were engaged in a conversation, and the person you were conversing with cut off your conversation and started talking before you finished your thought?
Here’s another one: when was the last time you were engaged in a conversation, and the person you were conversing with was speaking, and you cut them off before they finished their thought?
Now, all of us are guilty of this, which is wrong. Most were undoubtedly taught that when someone is speaking, you don’t interrupt but wait until the party has finished speaking. It was classified as rude. But it happens perpetually today amongst Christians as well as non-Christians.
There was a time when one interrupted another while speaking. The individual would say: excuse me, not to cut you off, or excuse me for cutting you off, or something to that effect. They acknowledged that they were doing something improper. But those days have gone with the Edsel, and we just butt in as a normal circumstance.
But it is time to understand when we engage in this behavior. When we cut off somebody’s speech, injecting our own, what we are demonstrating to that individual is what they are expressing doesn’t matter, that we don’t want to hear what that person is saying, and what we have to say is more important than what they are saying.
However, the Scripture says, “Do NOTHING out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Understand that when we think what we have to say is more important than someone else, that is conceit; it’s arrogant and full of self-importance.
The Scripture mentions “selfish ambition.” This is a modern translation (New King James) of the Greek word. In the King James translation, the word is translated as strife; in the NIV translation, in Galatians 5:20, it is translated as selfish ambition and as one of the manifestations of the sinful nature. When we are so ambitious to say what we have to say that we disregard what someone else is saying, we operate in the work of the flesh. It’s evil.
Instead, we must consider others “better” than ourselves. What someone else has to say can be better than what we have to say, and we might learn something in the meantime. Listening is how we learn; we aren’t learning while talking. Listening is just as much of a gift as talking. After all, it is one of the basic five senses.
Sometimes, these interjections will take the conversation in another direction. There are occasions when an individual has been interrupted during a conversation and never finished their point because they were interrupted and the conversation took a turn in another direction. These interruptions can turn one off from listening; instead of listening, they only wait for a chance to make their point. This is an unholy conversation.
Not to make excuses, however; some engage in this because, on many occasions, if they don’t interrupt, they will never get to speak.
However, there’s also the other side of the coin. Some ensure not to get interrupted by not giving anyone else a chance to speak. The bottom line is that we unequivocally talk too much. Everybody is so busy talking instead of listening. We undeniably go on and on and on.
If we aren’t careful, we’ll talk ourselves in the middle of the Lake of Fire.
Jesus said in Matt 12:36, “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
Balance is the key to life, and we must listen as well as talk. We must be more willing to listen to what others have to say. Remember what verse 4 says, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Listen to what others have to say.
I mentioned Galatians 5 earlier, and I want to point out that verse 22 also lists the fruit or manifestations of the Spirit, including “patience” and “self-control.” If we exercised these in our conversations, everybody would have a chance to speak and listen.
We must remember what a conversation is: a verbal exchange between two or more individuals on a particular subject—two or more individuals. A conversation is not a monologue where one person does all the talking and the other or others do all the listening.
Listen to what the Scripture says in James 1:19, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:” Here we have the wise counsel of James that advises us to reverse this process of talking too much and listening too little.
Rudeness in conversations can lead to wrath. One person cuts off another, then that person cuts off the first person, voices start to rise, and the next thing you know, an argument has ensued.
So, let us be mindful of our conversations and be considerate of the ones we are conversing with. We should put a mental stopwatch on our conversations and consider how much we talk and how much we listen.
When people talk with you, do they feel that their viewpoints and ideas have value? This goal can be accomplished only if they have been allowed to speak.
It is also important to examine at the end of a conversation: what did I gain from that conversation? Was it time well spent?
The Scripture says in 1 Cor 14:40, “Let all things be done decently and in order.” And this includes our conversations with one another.
Conclusion
God has given us each other. As good stewards, we must treat one another in all things, including our conversation, as the gift that God has given us, and as the Scripture says, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
Amen.
Questions, comments, and concerns may be left below.
Blessings!
Hello,
This post beautifully highlights the depth of stewardship, not only in managing material possessions but also in how we treat one another. True Biblical stewardship calls us to be considerate in our conversations, valuing the thoughts and perspectives of others just as much as our own. By practicing humility, patience, and self-control, we can foster meaningful connections that reflect Christ’s love and mindset. As stewards of the relationships and interactions God entrusts to us, we have a responsibility to listen more, speak less, and engage with others in a way that honors them and glorifies God.
Amen, Msamawi – Thanks for commenting!
This article offers a deep and thoughtful perspective on Biblical stewardship, especially in the context of communication. It emphasizes the importance of listening and humility in conversations, which is a valuable lesson. I do have a couple of questions: How can we better develop patience and self-control in our conversations, especially in moments when we feel the need to interrupt or take over? Also, how does this idea of stewardship extend to digital communication, like emails or social media, where conversations can sometimes lack the same depth or care? Would love to hear more insights on these aspects.
Greetings, Amalthe – The best way to develop patience and self-control is practice. When we are tempted to interrupt—don’t. It takes practice. As for digital communications, use words that indicate a diplomatic or gentle tone instead of harsh ones. Friendly emojis also help to express softer, friendlier tones.
It always helps to pray for assistance from the Holy Spirit. He is our helper and teacher.
Thanks for commenting!
Hi there,
This article on biblical stewardship is such an eye-opener! I appreciate how you’ve tied the concept of stewardship not just to finances but to every aspect of our lives—time, talents, and resources. It’s a wonderful reminder that everything we have is a gift from God and that we are called to manage it wisely and with gratitude. I particularly resonated with the point about being intentional in how we use our time, something I’m personally working on.
How do you suggest we start implementing biblical stewardship in daily life, especially in small, manageable ways?
Angela M 🙂
Greetings, Angela – My suggestion for implementing biblical stewardship is to make it the goal first and practice one step at a time. For example, one can begin by practicing listening more and resisting interrupting. It would also help to slowly adopt a mindset of considering others in all situations. It takes time and practice. Prayer, as these initiatives are embarked on, is necessary as these can be challenging to practice in today’s narcissistic culture.
Thanks for commenting!
You should have your own radio show for this platform. Absolutely correct in that we don’t listen as much as we speak. There is a big difference between listening and paying attention. I’ve caught others, and myself, trying to be polite and listen while anxiously waiting the opportunity to give my input. With today’s modern communication devices, we have less and less conversations. How many times I have been in a crowd and watched people, young and old, looking at their phones instead of where they are going. This is an excellent article and should be read to everyone. Thank you.
Thanks, Walter. What is also amazing is with all the communication tools we have today, we fail to communicate properly all the time!
Thanks for commenting!
This is a great perspective on Biblical stewardship, highlighting how it extends beyond managing resources to how we treat and communicate with each other. I appreciate how the article emphasizes listening as an essential part of stewardship. Just as we are called to be responsible with our material gifts, it is equally important to be considerate and attentive to others, recognizing their value and worth. It made me think about how often conversations become about asserting our own opinions rather than truly engaging with what the other person has to say.
One aspect I hadn’t considered before is how interrupting others or dominating conversations can be seen as a form of selfish ambition, as mentioned in Philippians 2. It makes me wonder: How can we actively practice humility and patience in our daily conversations, especially when we’re eager to share our thoughts?
– Scott
Hi Scott – All I can suggest is prayer and practice. Once we adopt the mindset and practice it, it can happen. But we must pray for the Holy Spirit to help us, as this is not easy in our narcissistic culture.
Thanks for commenting, as always!
As someone who strives to practice biblical stewardship, I believe it’s a vital aspect of living out one’s faith. I’ve experienced how being intentional with my resources—whether it’s time, finances, or talents—can lead to greater fulfillment and a stronger sense of community.
In my opinion, true stewardship goes beyond mere management of resources; it’s about recognizing everything we have as a gift from God and using it to serve others. Implementing practices like budgeting, giving, and volunteering has helped me cultivate a more generous and grateful heart. I’m curious about others’ experiences: how do you integrate stewardship into your daily life?
The same way you do, Miki. I couldn’t have said it any better!
Thanks for commenting!
We are to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us which means that we should do our best to take care of it following what He has commanded us to do. For example time. Time once lost can never be given back. What we do with our time will determine our situation in life no matter what and when it comes to God He wants to use our time wisely not only to build a successful life here but also to invest our time in His Kingdom work.
Thanks for commenting, Norman.
Thank you for this thought-provoking article on biblical stewardship! Your analysis of Philippians 2:2-5 and James 1:19 highlights the importance of humility and active listening in our conversations. This reminder to prioritize others’ thoughts and feelings is invaluable.
How do you think we can balance speaking and listening in our daily interactions?
Greetings, Cyril – I think the best way to balance speaking and listening is to focus more on listening. Most of us are focused on expressing our points, Ideas, and opinions instead of listening to others. We all deserve to be heard.
Thanks for commenting!
This is a beautiful reminder of the need for us to look out for one another. I always though biblical stewardship was about studying and looking after the bible as a possession. But this post has highlighted that it is much more than that.
Wr need to lsten to others and let them speak without inyerupting them. That way we show respect and interest in thei opinion. But do you think practising mindfulnesd is selfish? Or is it a time for self development and introspection? Thank you.
Greetings, Line Cowley – I don’t think mindfulness is selfish as long as it helps us to show love and respect for others. Self-awareness and what is happening around us can also help us have a better tolerance and understanding of others.
Thanks for commenting, as always!
I agree biblical stewardship is key to living out our faith, but it often gets overlooked. I believe it’s not just about money; it’s about taking care of all God’s gifts to us. This includes time, talents, and our planet. If we understood stewardship fully, our communities might change how they give and help others.
Amen, Ronald – Thanks for commenting!
Your article offers important perspectives on Biblical stewardship, especially regarding our relationships with each other. A compelling question for the author might be:
“In what ways can we effectively apply the principles of humility and active listening in our everyday discussions, particularly in a society that frequently emphasizes personal expression over authentic communication?”
We can effectively apply the principles by consciously practicing them. Practice makes perfect. We must also pray for the Holy Spirit to empower us, as this task is not easy in today’s narcissistic world.
Thanks for commenting!
Thanks for this article which offers a thoughtful exploration of Biblical stewardship, particularly focusing on the importance of mindful communication. Your emphasis on considering others, active listening, and avoiding self-centered interruptions resonates deeply with the scriptural teaching. It’s a timely reminder that our words have the power to build up or tear down, and that we should strive to use them wisely.
Amen, Kris – As Jesus said in Matthew 12:37, “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thou words thou shalt be condemned.”
Thanks for commenting!
I agree with your points here, especially on the importance of listening and valuing others in conversation. The idea of stewardship as respecting and caring for those around us by being more patient and humble feels very relevant. The reminder about our culture’s tendency to prioritize talking over listening is spot on—definitely something we can all work on. Your thoughts on making conversations more respectful and balanced hit home. Thanks for sharing this perspective!
Thanks for commenting, Shambles!
This is an insightful exploration of Biblical stewardship, particularly focusing on the importance of mindful communication. It’s a timely reminder in our fast-paced world to practice patience, active listening, and humility in our interactions.
I’m curious to know how you see these principles applying to online communication, where the nuances of tone and intention can often be misconstrued.
Greetings, Benjamin – The good thing about online communication is that you don’t have to be concerned about being interrupted. Because of that, it allows us to choose our words carefully and consider how the receiving party may perceive them. I find emojis helpful in relaying the proper thought and tone intended.
Thanks for commenting!
This article is a wonderful reminder of the importance of biblical stewardship. It’s inspiring to see how caring for what we’ve been entrusted with, from our resources to our relationships, aligns with living a life of purpose and faith. Such a thoughtful reflection on managing God’s gifts with gratitude and responsibility—thank you for this meaningful perspective!
Thanks for commenting, Randi
Stewardship is envy important because we must take care of every thing that God decided to give us. Indeed, we can see why it’s very important. it’s because God will hold us accountable for how we took card of the talents he bestowed on us during this lifetime. It’s sad to see the some people have tremendous gifts to use them for the glory of Satan. But oh well…
Yes, for sure, Angelce, we will be held accountable for how we handled the talents and blessings God bestowed upon us and how we treated others.
Thanks for commenting!
You do an excellent job of breaking down what stewardship truly means beyond the typical financial interpretation, making it feel like a holistic lifestyle that anyone can embrace. I love how you connect stewardship to honoring God not just with resources, but with our time and talents. That was a refreshing perspective, and it made me think about the areas in my life where I can give more intentionally.
Greetings, Bob – I am happy to know that the article has led you to consider areas where you can improve your stewardship.
Thanks for commenting!
Hi Nathaniel,
This article offers a profound insight into the essence of Biblical stewardship, particularly emphasizing the importance of valuing others in our interactions. The exploration of how stewardship extends beyond material possessions to encompass our relationships and conversations is especially thought-provoking. It’s a timely reminder that true stewardship involves humility, listening, and considering the needs and perspectives of others, as highlighted in Philippians 2.
The call to improve our conversational etiquette and genuinely engage with one another resonates deeply in today’s fast-paced, often self-centered society. I appreciate the emphasis on fostering meaningful exchanges that uplift and enrich both parties involved. This perspective on stewardship encourages us to be more intentional in our daily interactions, reflecting Christ’s love in all we do.
Cheers
John
Thanks for commenting, John!
Thank you for this insightful article on Biblical stewardship! It’s a topic that often gets overlooked, especially when we focus primarily on material possessions. I appreciate how you highlighted the importance of treating one another as gifts from God, emphasizing that stewardship extends beyond what we own to how we engage with others.
The examples you provided about conversation habits are particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced society. It’s so easy to interrupt or dominate discussions, forgetting that listening is just as vital as speaking. Your reference to Philippians 2:2-5 serves as a powerful reminder that humility and consideration for others are at the heart of stewardship.
I’ve found that when we genuinely listen and respect others’ viewpoints, it not only enriches our conversations but also strengthens our relationships. Thank you for challenging us to be better stewards in both our interactions and in how we treat the people around us. I look forward to exploring more about this topic!
Blessings!
Amen, Nick – We must focus on listening as much as speaking.
Thanks for commenting!
I through this article beautifully capture the essence of Biblical stewardship, reminding us that true stewardship extends beyond physical assets to how we treat and value one another. The insights from Philippians and James serve as powerful reminders of the importance of humility, patience, and self-control in our interactions. In a world that often prioritizes self-expression over active listening, it’s refreshing to revisit the scriptural call to honor others by truly hearing them. As stewards, we’re called not only to care for resources but also to uplift and respect those around us. This message is timeless, and we would all benefit from practicing it daily.
Amen, JealousLI – Thanks for commenting!