Definition and Overview:
Being a good steward refers to the responsible management and care of resources, talents, and responsibilities entrusted to an individual by God. This concept is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, emphasizing accountability, faithfulness, and the wise use of what God has provided.

Biblical Foundation:
The concept of stewardship is woven throughout Scripture, beginning with the creation narrative. In Genesis 1:28 , God commands humanity to "fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth." This mandate establishes humans as stewards of God's creation, tasked with its care and management.

Parables and Teachings of Jesus:
Jesus frequently addressed stewardship in His parables. The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) illustrates the importance of using God-given resources wisely. In this parable, a master entrusts his servants with varying amounts of money before leaving on a journey. Upon his return, he rewards those who have invested and multiplied their resources, while the servant who buried his talent out of fear is reprimanded. This account underscores the expectation that believers actively use and grow their gifts for God's kingdom.

Similarly, the Parable of the Faithful Servant (Luke 12:42-48) highlights the blessings of faithful stewardship and the consequences of neglect. Jesus asks, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master will put in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time?" This parable emphasizes readiness and diligence in fulfilling one's responsibilities.

Principles of Stewardship:
1. Ownership: Recognizing that everything belongs to God is foundational to stewardship. Psalm 24:1 declares, "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein." Believers are caretakers of God's possessions, not owners.

2. Responsibility: Stewards are accountable for how they manage what is entrusted to them. 1 Corinthians 4:2 states, "Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful." This calls for integrity and diligence in all areas of life.

3. Multiplication: Good stewards seek to grow and enhance what they have been given. This includes developing personal talents, investing time wisely, and using financial resources to further God's work.

4. Generosity: Stewardship involves sharing resources with others. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 encourages believers to give generously and cheerfully, trusting that God will provide abundantly.

5. Sustainability: Caring for creation is an aspect of stewardship. Genesis 2:15 describes how God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden "to work it and keep it," highlighting the responsibility to maintain and preserve the environment.

Practical Application:
Being a good steward extends to various aspects of life, including time management, financial planning, and the use of spiritual gifts. Christians are encouraged to seek God's guidance in all decisions, ensuring that their actions align with His will and purpose. Regular prayer, study of Scripture, and involvement in a faith community can aid in discerning how best to steward one's resources.

Conclusion:
The call to stewardship is a call to live a life of purpose, accountability, and service. By faithfully managing what God has entrusted to them, believers honor God and contribute to the advancement of His kingdom on earth.Acts 20:35
I have showed you all things, how that so laboring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
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Titus 1:7
For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
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Titus 2:7
In all things showing yourself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing soundness, gravity, sincerity,
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Colossians 3:23
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men;
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The Good Steward
... in thy hands for this purpose; leaving thee the right of being supplied first ... Above
all, wast thou a good steward of my grace, preventing, accompanying, and ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 51 the good steward.htm

The Plight of Man after the Fall
... He even placed him in the happiness of paradise in a sheltered nook of life [in
umbra vitae] where, by being a good steward of righteousness, he would rise to ...
/.../augustine/handbook on faith hope and love/chapter viii the plight of.htm

The Gains of the Faithful Steward
... about the handling of outward good is that ... is rightly acquired, for though the unjust
steward was commended ... doubtfully won is consecrated by being piously spent ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the gains of the faithful.htm

Rich in Good Works
... a good conscience, in the consciousness of being well-pleasing ... rich in money may
become rich in good works, if ... as from an owner, but a steward who administers ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/xviii rich in good works.htm

Chapter xvi.
... as being our good, the other as being something necessary ... even if, like the rest
of the good apostles, by ... in another passage he calls himself also a steward. ...
/.../augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter xvi 2.htm

Concerning Widows.
... this, that once marrying according to the law is righteous, as being according to ...
that knowest those that are in affliction mayest as a good steward give them ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i concerning widows.htm

The Prudent Steward.
... The characteristic features of the steward's skill were, that when ... of time may
instrumentally affect for good or evil ... They are capable of being turned to some ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xxv the prudent steward.htm

Sermons on Several Occasions
... Sermon 51 The Good Steward. ... Sermon 114 The Unity of the Divine Being. ... Sermon 127 The
Trouble and Rest of Good Men "There the wicked cease from troubling. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wesley/sermons on several occasions/

Two Kinds of Riches
... I am a steward; I am a trustee; it all belongs ... It may suggest how shadowy and unreal,
as being merely external ... I get more good out of a rich man's pictures, or ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/two kinds of riches.htm

To the King of France
... act like a good steward, made His steward by God ... harm and an obstructer of so great
good as the ... that have been offered you; the doctrine, being reconciled with ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to the king of france.htm

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