e are living in a generation where the dominant spiritual mindset is "What can I get from God?" rather than "What can I give to God?" The focus for many believers today is centered around receiving miracles, breakthroughs, and blessings - a consumer Christianity where people embrace the "get all you can, can all you get, and sit on the can" mentality. Sadly, this attitude has produced a wave of convenience-driven faith, where many feel comfortable identifying as Christians without accountability, responsibility, or service - often choosing to watch church services online while neglecting any meaningful involvement in a local church.

But the truth is, God did not call us to be spiritual spectators; He called us to be faithful stewards of His Kingdom. This month, as I focused on kingdom stewardship, I was reminded that Christianity is not just about receiving from God - it's about partnering with God to advance His Kingdom on earth. Stewardship is not optional; it is a divine expectation.

Who is a steward

In Scripture, a steward is a servant entrusted by God to manage His resources, people, or purposes faithfully. The word "steward" comes from the Greek word oikonomos, meaning house manager.

What is Kingdom Stewardship.

Kingdom stewardship is the faithful management of everything God has entrusted to you-time, talent, treasure, relationships, influence, and opportunities-for the advancement of His Kingdom and the fulfillment of His purposes on earth.

Kingdom stewardship is not just a churchy phrase; it is the essence of what it means to live as a child of God with purpose, responsibility, and eternal focus. To be a steward in God's Kingdom is to recognize that your life is not your own - you were bought with a price and assigned with divine purpose. Let me explain with these three key truths:

1. You Are Called to an Ambassadorial Assignment

Paul while writing to the Corinthians, said "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ..." - 2 Corinthians 5:20 (KJV). A steward in the Kingdom is not a passive benchwarmer; you are an ambassador - a divine representative of heaven on earth. Your assignment is to represent the values, the mission, and the character of the King in every sphere of influence: in your family, workplace, church, community, and nation. Ambassadors do not live for themselves; they operate under delegated authority. Everything you own - your time, resources, talents, and influence - must reflect Heaven's agenda. Your words, lifestyle, and priorities must testify that Christ rules in your heart and your world.

Every kingdom steward is on a divine ambassadorial assignment. This means you are not living for yourself but representing the Kingdom of God in everything you do. One of the clearest biblical examples is the calling of Saul (later Paul) in Acts 9:15. "But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel." - Jesus told Ananias that Paul was "a chosen vessel" - handpicked to bear His name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. To bear my name": Paul's life mission was to represent Jesus and proclaim the gospel boldly. "Before Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel": Paul's stewardship was wide-reaching. His audience included: Gentiles (non-Jews) - Paul became known as the Apostle to the Gentiles. Kings - Paul stood before rulers like Agrippa and eventually Caesar. Children of Israel - He consistently preached in synagogues to his fellow Jews.

This was not a casual calling but a heavenly mandate. Like Paul, your stewardship is about carrying the message, the authority, and the mission of Christ wherever you are sent. Whether you are in the marketplace, in ministry, in education, in politics, or in media, you are on assignment to represent Heaven's interest. Ambassadors don't act on their own - they operate under the King's authority, speak the King's words, and pursue the King's agenda.

Your role as a steward is not just to "attend church" but to advance the Kingdom. You are God's chosen vessel in this generation - called, appointed, and anointed to represent Jesus with boldness, integrity, and purpose.

2. You Are a Contributor, not a Consumer

"It is more blessed to give than to receive." - Acts 20:35 (KJV). Many have settled into a spiritual consumer culture - always attending, watching, and receiving, but never contributing. But true kingdom stewards are not spectators; they are active participants. You are not here to just enjoy the worship, be fed by sermons, or benefit from others' sacrifices. You are called to invest, serve, give, build, and lead. Stewardship means using your gifts, skills, and resources to contribute to the growth of the Body of Christ and the expansion of God's Kingdom.

This mindset shift is critical: from "What can I get from church?" to "What can I bring to the church?" From "Bless me, Lord" to "Use me, Lord." God is raising stewards who will stand in the gap, fund the mission, volunteer their time, and disciple others. You are not just called to consume grace - you are called to dispense it.

3. You Are Not Called Just to Enjoy Fruit, But to Produce Fruit

"You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain..." - John 15:16 (NKJV)

Kingdom stewardship is ultimately measured by fruitfulness. God is not interested in how much revelation you have consumed, but how much fruit your life produces. Are souls being saved through you? Are others being discipled? Are you raising leaders, impacting your community, transforming lives, and building the Kingdom? That's the fruit He expects.

Fruitfulness is not accidental - it requires cultivation, sacrifice, and abiding in Christ. Stewards must intentionally nurture what God has placed in their hands, whether it's a ministry, a business, a family, or a platform. The goal is not just to be blessed, but to become a blessing that multiplies and leaves a legacy for generations.

Becoming a faithful steward in the Kingdom of God requires intentionality, spiritual discipline, and a heart fully surrendered to the Lord. Faithful stewardship is not automatic - it is cultivated.

Key Characteristics of a Steward:

1. Not the Owner - A steward does not own what they manage.

o Psalm 24:1 - "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it…"

2. Accountable to the Owner - A steward must give an account of how they managed what was entrusted.

o 1 Corinthians 4:2 - "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."

3. Faithful and Wise - Good stewards are diligent, loyal, and wise in decision-making.

o Luke 12:42-43 - "Who then is the faithful and wise steward… Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing."

Types of Stewardship in Scripture:

1. Steward of Time - Using your time wisely for God's glory (Ephesians 5:16).

2. Steward of Talents/Gifts - Using spiritual gifts to serve others (1 Peter 4:10).

3. Steward of Treasures - Managing money and possessions with generosity and integrity (Luke 16:10-13).

4. Steward of the Gospel - Faithfully preaching and living the message of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:16-17).

5. Steward of Relationships - Caring for people God has placed in your life (Hebrews 13:17).

How to become a faithful steward

Our goal in life is not just to accumulate knowledge but to use knowledge to transform us and become useful vessels. My goal for you in this article is for you to become a steward for our King who is the end of the kingdom.

1. Recognize That God Owns Everything

The first step to faithful stewardship is understanding that you are not the owner - you are the manager. You are not the source; you are the resource. Your time, talents, treasures, opportunities, and even your very life belong to God. This mindset shifts how you handle resources and responsibilities. You begin to ask, "Lord, how would You have me use what You've given me?"

2. Surrender Your Life and Priorities to God

"I beseech you therefore, brethren... present your bodies a living sacrifice..." - Romans 12:1. Faithful stewardship begins with full surrender. It's not just about giving money or attending church services; it's about offering your whole life - your ambitions, your desires, your goals - to God. A surrendered life is the foundation of all other forms of stewardship. I remember a young man when we were building CAC Bethel Ile -Ife in the early 80s and people were asked to donate-this young student said I cannot promise financial donation, but I donate myself for prayer! It never left me.

3. Be Consistent in the Small Things

"He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much..." - Luke 16:10. God tests your faithfulness with little before entrusting you with more. Be diligent in everyday responsibilities - your job, your family duties, your church assignments - even when they seem small or unnoticed. Faithfulness in small things prepares you for greater kingdom responsibilities.

4. Manage Your Time, Talent, and Treasure Wisely

"See then that ye walk circumspectly... redeeming the time, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:15-16 A faithful steward uses time intentionally for God's purposes, develops and deploys their God-given talents, and handles money with integrity and generosity. Avoid wastefulness and laziness; be strategic and kingdom-minded in all your planning and investments.

5. Serve God and Others Wholeheartedly

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord..." - Colossians 3:23. Don't serve half-heartedly or only when it's convenient. A faithful steward gives their best to God in service, ministry, relationships, and leadership. Serve with excellence, humility, and joy - not for recognition, but to glorify God.

6. Stay Accountable and Teachable

"Obey them that have the rule over you and submit yourselves..." - Hebrews 13:17 (KJV). Faithful stewards don't operate in isolation. They are accountable to spiritual authority and open to correction. They remain teachable, seeking growth, feedback, and alignment with God's Word and counsel. A proud or unteachable heart cannot be trusted with much.

7. Remain Fruitful and Eternally Focused

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last." - John 15:16 (NIV).A faithful steward is not stagnant - they multiply what God has given them. They bear spiritual fruit: souls saved, lives impacted, ministries expanded, and godly character developed. They live with eternity in view, aiming for the Master's commendation: "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21)

In conclusion, dear friend become a steward and faithful manager of what has been entrusted to you by God or others. Be a steward of the time, talents, treasures, truth, and people God has placed in your care - and one day you will give an account.

Pastor Amos Dada is a trained engineer with the call of a preacher. Lives in Toronto. Reachable at [email protected]