
”4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence.”
1 Timothy 3:4
Why should we take care of the things God has given us?
Today, we dig into an essential aspect of our Christian walk: stewardship.
The scripture in 1 Timothy 3:4 speaks directly to this, highlighting the importance of managing our households well and maintaining dignity and order. While this verse is often applied to the qualifications for church leaders, its principles extend to all believers. It calls us to be diligent and responsible stewards of everything God entrusts to us.
Understanding Stewardship
Stewardship is more than just managing finances; it encompasses all areas of life. God has given us many blessings—our families, our homes, our talents, our time, and even our planet. Being a good steward means taking care of these gifts and using them in ways that honor God.
Stewardship of Family
1 Timothy 3:4 emphasizes the importance of managing one’s household. This begins with our families. As parents, spouses, siblings, or children, we have a responsibility to nurture and support one another. We are to provide for each other’s needs, guide each other in faith, and cultivate a loving and supportive environment. This means prioritizing time together, teaching godly principles, and leading by example.
Stewardship of Time
Time is one of the most precious resources God has given us. Each day, we are given 24 hours to use wisely. Ephesians 5:15-16 reminds us to “look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” We should use our time to glorify God—through prayer, serving others, spending quality time with family, and growing in our faith. Wasting time on trivial pursuits detracts from our purpose and calling as Christians.
Stewardship of Talents
God has endowed each of us with unique talents and abilities. These gifts are not to be hidden or used solely for personal gain but are meant to be shared and used to benefit others and advance God’s kingdom. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 teaches us the importance of using our talents wisely and not letting them go to waste. We must identify our gifts, develop them, and seek opportunities to serve others with them.
Stewardship of Finances
Money is a significant aspect of stewardship. How we handle our finances reflects our values and priorities. Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.” This means giving back to God through tithes and offerings, being generous to those in need, and managing our resources prudently. Avoiding debt, saving wisely, and living within our means are practical ways to honor God with our finances.
Stewardship of the Environment
God has also entrusted us with the care of His creation. Genesis 2:15 states, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” We are called to be caretakers of the Earth, ensuring that we preserve and protect it for future generations. This includes being mindful of our consumption, reducing waste, recycling, and supporting sustainable practices.
Challenges to Stewardship
Stewardship is not always easy. It requires discipline, sacrifice, and a shift in perspective. We live in a culture that often promotes selfishness and instant gratification, making it challenging to prioritize God’s way of managing our resources. However, we must remember that stewardship is a form of worship. When we care for what God has given us, we honor Him and demonstrate our love and gratitude.
Encouragement for Stewards
The good news is that we are not alone in this journey. God provides us with the strength, wisdom, and guidance we need to be good stewards. Philippians 4:13 assures us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” We can rely on His power to manage our households, time, talents, finances, and the environment effectively.
Let’s commit to being faithful stewards of the blessings God has given us. Let us manage our households well, use our time wisely, develop our talents, handle our finances responsibly, and care for our environment. By doing so, we honor God and fulfill our purpose as His servants.
May we all strive to hear these words from our Lord one day: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21).
To God be all the glory, now and forever.
Were you able to glean and grow from this message so God can be further glorified and His Kingdom magnified? If so, I would love to hear from you. Follow this link to get in touch… Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your presence in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom bestowed upon Paul,
And we ask you Lord to help us find joy in your perfect plan.
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through your Word, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by the truth as we spread the good news to one and all,
And lead the lost to You.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us,
To bless our lives and fill us with hope.
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and our place with you in Heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done, here on Earth and through the vast Universe,
May our hearts be filled with your everlasting love and grace.
Praises to You God, Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre