The dictionary defines a steward as ‘’a person who manages another person’s property or affairs.’’ This definition therefore brings about three major issues to be understood in relation to stewardship: that the ownership of the property or affairs lies with another, that the steward has responsibilities to those resources, and that the goal of the steward is to faithfully do the wishes of the owner of those resources as it will please him (the owner).
Consequently, in the light of this study, the Bible says: ‘’the earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein’’ (Psalms 24:1). This sets God as the undisputable owner of ALL things ranging from all material creation to man himself. Despite this undisputable right of ownership, God is so mindful of the children of men that it pleased Him to allow us partake of His own possession. Thus the Bible again declares that ‘’every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh from the Father…’’ (Jas 1:17). It has been His plan even before man was created to give us ‘’….all things that pertain unto life and godliness…..’’ (2 Pet 1:3).
Unfortunately, despite God’s abundant generosity, man lost out on God’s provisions by seeking to become equal to or independent of God, i.e., to be as ‘gods’ thus having the right of ownership over God’s resources. Since the fall of Adam, the greatest tendency of the fallen creature is to possess, grab, acquire, hold or hoard God’s resources as the sole owner.
It is therefore important and fundamental for every child of God to understand the concept of divine ownership. When the reality of the divine ownership of all that is in the heavens and the earth is discovered in the spirit of the obedient child, any little claim on anything in our possession and control will give way. Indeed we are not ’owners’ nor ‘landlords’ but stewards, trustees, caretakers and managers of our Lord’s estate. Therefore, we must relate with those resources as ‘’they that must give account.’’