Stewardship: Managing as a Gift, Not a Burden

In the world of leadership and management, the concept of stewardship is often overlooked, despite being a fundamental principle. Management frequently focuses on challenges such as deadlines, budgets, and difficult team members. However, Stewardship changes this perspective, viewing these responsibilities as opportunities to use our skills and resources. It's like being entrusted with a beautiful garden; caring for it becomes a privilege rather than a chore. The Bible paints a clear picture of humanity's role on Earth, not as domineering owners, but as entrusted stewards.

Genesis 1:26-28 provides the foundation for this concept. Here, God gives humanity "dominion" over the earth and its creatures. This dominion, however, is not about unchecked power, but about responsible management. The Hebrew word for "dominion" is "kabash," which has connotations of subjugation, ruling, and tilling. It refers to both leadership and cultivation.

Furthermore, in Psalm 24:1 declares, "The earth is the Lord's, and all that is in it, the world, and those who dwell in it." This verse emphasizes that God is the true owner, and we are entrusted with caring for His creation. The resources you manage, whether financial, talent, or time, are gifts from God to be nurtured for growth. Consider the parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23), in which seeds are sown on various types of ground. A good steward, like a sower on fertile ground, uses resources wisely to cultivate potential and achieve positive results.

The apostle Peter also wrote, "Likewise each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." (1 Peter 4:10). This verse reframes leadership from a position of power to one of service. Leaders aren't just in charge; they are entrusted with gifts (resources, talents) to use for the benefit of others. This aligns with Jesus' own teachings on leadership, where he said, "Whoever wants to become a leader among you must be your servant." (Mark 10:43). Management is not a solitary pursuit. As a steward, you have the ability to guide and empower others.

The emphasis on being "faithful stewards" in 1 Peter 4:10 emphasizes the value of responsibility and accountability. Leaders are accountable to a higher power (God) for how they manage the resources entrusted to them. This translates into ethical and responsible leadership that prioritizes the welfare of those they serve. 

The verse mentions "the various forms" of God's grace, implying that a leadership team possesses a wide range of gifts and talents. A good leader recognizes and applies these diverse skills to create a well-rounded and effective approach to serving others. 

A biblical understanding of stewardship teaches us that the resources, talents, and people entrusted to us are not ours to waste, but rather gifts to be used wisely and faithfully. This perspective instills in leaders a sense of responsibility and accountability, motivating them to use the resources under their care for the greater good, reflecting God's character in their leadership.

Too often, we fall into the trap of viewing our management responsibilities as a burden or impediment to our own objectives and ambitions. However, when we adopt a stewardship mindset, we begin to see these responsibilities as sacred trusts, an opportunity to use our strengths and resources for the greater good.

This mindset shift involves transitioning from a transactional view of leadership (what's in it for me?) to a transformational one (how can I serve a greater purpose?).  The Bible contains examples of leaders who exemplified this mindset by valuing service over personal gain. Moses, for example, initially rejected God's call due to his perceived shortcomings (Exodus 3-4). However, he eventually accepted his role as God's steward and led the Israelites out of Egypt.

It also enables leaders to use their strengths and resources not for personal gain, but for the greater good. Consider the parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), in which the master entrusts servants with various amounts of wealth (talents). The servants who wisely invested their talents were praised, whereas the one who buried his was labeled "wicked and lazy." This parable emphasizes the importance of actively using God's gifts for the benefit of the team or organization. 

Stewardship provides leadership with a deeper purpose. It's not just about the bottom line or personal accomplishment. It is about using our gifts to create something positive, contribute to a greater good, and ultimately honor the one who entrusted us with those gifts.

The notion of stewardship as a "sacred trust" emphasizes the gravity and significance of the responsibility. Leaders are trusted with the well-being of others, which necessitates ethical and responsible behavior. Proverbs 27:18 states, “Whoever keeps a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who guards his master will be honored." Just as a fig tree caretaker is rewarded with fruit, a leader who faithfully guards their responsibility will reap the benefits of serving others. 

By viewing leadership as a sacred trust and an opportunity to use our strengths for good, we can abandon self-serving ambition and embrace the true essence of stewardship. By viewing management as a gift, stewardship fosters a sense of responsibility, purpose, and fulfillment in our leadership positions. It encourages us to develop our resources, empower others, and, ultimately, make a positive contribution to the organization and the people we serve.

As you reflect on your own leadership role, take a moment to consider the following questions:

1. What responsibilities have you been given? Make a list of the resources, talents, and people who have been placed in your care. This could include your team, your organization's assets, your own unique skills, and much more. 
2. How can you use your strengths and resources to the benefit of your team and organization? Look for ways to use your abilities and the resources at your disposal to empower and support those you lead. How can you foster an environment in which people can thrive while contributing to the larger mission?

You can transform your leadership style by cultivating a stewardship mindset. Instead of seeing it as a burden, you'll see it as a privilege and a chance to make a significant difference. This shift in perspective can help you become a more effective, fulfilling, and purposeful leader. 

In the next post in this series, we'll delve deeper into the practical application of stewardship, looking at how to put this principle into action in your daily management responsibilities.

Rumishael