What makes for a good steward?

We have been learning more about Stewardship these last few weeks at Grace. If you would like to volunteer your time and talents, fill out the Time & Talent Form. If you would like to donate your treasures, see the Giving Back page for more details.

Throughout Scripture, we are given many examples of what it means to be a good steward of God’s gifts. Here are just a few verses from the Bible that describe the way this happens:

• Sharing … see Mark 10:17-22. God’s people have always seen the need to share what they have with others. As much as we have a need to receive, we all have a need to give as well.
• Teamwork … see Acts 2:44-47. Just as it was in the early church, we have to work together in using our resources, in order for the message of Jesus to be spread among all people.
• Enthusiasm … see Matthew 13:44-45. Jesus spoke of the joy we receive in recognizing the treasure of God in our lives. This joy allows us to see our money and possessions in a different light.
• Witness … see 2 Corinthians 8:1-7. Stewardship is the way we live out our Christian lives. By the sharing of our resources, we bear witness to our faith and trust in God.
• Acceptance … see Luke 16:13. Being a good steward demonstrates our acceptance of God’s lordship in our lives. As Jesus said, we cannot serve both God and money.
• Response … see Deuteronomy 26:1-11. The reason we give is because we ourselves have first received all things from God. Sharing what we have is our response to what God has done for us.
• Determination … see 1 Corinthians 16:1-2. Being a good steward requires forethought and commitment. It is a personal discipline carried out with regularity on a week-by-week basis.