What is Stewardship?

 

In today's world, where materialism and ownership dominate societal values, the theological question of stewardship versus ownership offers a profound reflection on the Christian's role in managing God's resources. This exploration is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, with Psalm 50:7–15 providing a significant theological foundation for understanding the concept of divine ownership and human stewardship. This passage offers an illuminating perspective on how believers are called to manage the resources God has entrusted to them.

Psalm 50:7-15

"‘Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, I will testify against you. I am God, your God. Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you; your burnt offerings are continually before me. I will not accept a bull from your house or goats from your folds. For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine. “If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine. Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats? Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”' Psalm 50:7-15 (ESV)

This passage from Psalm 50 conveys a powerful message from God to His people, emphasizing that God does not require sacrifices and offerings in the way humans might think. He asserts His sovereignty and ownership over all creation, stating that every animal and all the earth are His. The psalm highlights that God is not sustained by human offerings, for He is the creator and possessor of all. Instead, what God desires is a sacrifice of thanksgiving and a heart that keeps its vows to Him. He invites His people to call upon Him in times of trouble, promising deliverance and thus giving them a reason to glorify Him. This section of Psalm 50 challenges the formalistic and transactional nature of worship, urging a relationship based on gratitude, faithfulness, and sincere dependence on God.

Divine Ownership and Human Stewardship

At the heart of Psalm 50 is the assertion of God's absolute sovereignty and ownership over creation. Verses 10–12 declare, "For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine." This passage vividly articulates the concept that everything in creation belongs to God, emphasizing His independence from human offerings and underscoring His generosity in providing for humanity.

A decision by believers that all is God's and they are simply a temporary steward of His resources reflects a profound understanding that humans do not own anything in the absolute sense; rather, they are stewards of God's creation, entrusted with the management of resources for the glory of God and the common good.

Stewardship as Worship

Psalm 50 challenges the ritualistic and transactional understanding of worship that can pervade religious practice. In verses 8–9, God declares, "I will not accept a bull from your house or goats from your folds. For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills." The rejection of sacrificial offerings not because of their inherent value but because of the attitude with which they are offered shifts the focus from the act of giving to the heart of the giver. True worship, as depicted in this psalm, is not about the externalities of religious observance but about recognizing God's ownership and responding with gratitude and trust.

The Psalmist further elucidates this concept in verses 14–15, urging, "Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me." Here, the essence of stewardship as worship becomes clear. It is about offering God what is already His—the entirety of our lives, resources, and talents—in a spirit of thanksgiving and dependence. This form of worship acknowledges God's provision and sovereignty, inviting His intervention and celebrating His faithfulness.

Theological Implications for Believers Today

The narrative of Psalm 50 emphasizes several critical theological implications for believers today. Firstly, recognizing God as the ultimate owner of all things fundamentally alters how Christians view their possessions and resources. This recognition challenges the cultural idolatry of material wealth and the self as the center of existence, inviting believers into a life marked by generosity, trust, and service.

Secondly, the concept of stewardship has far-reaching implications for how Christians engage with the world. It calls for responsible management of resources, including wealth, time, talents, and the environment, to reflect God's character and purposes. This stewardship is not merely a duty but a form of worship that honors God and furthers His kingdom.

Finally, the emphasis on valuing the Giver over the gifts invites believers to a deeper relationship with God. It challenges the transactional nature of much religious practice, encouraging a faith that seeks God for who He is rather than for what He can provide. This shift from a focus on gifts to the Giver aligns with Jesus's example of self-giving love and service, offering a model for Christian discipleship that prioritizes relationship with God and service to others over personal gain.

Conclusion

Psalm 50:7–15 offers profound theological insights into the concepts of divine ownership and human stewardship. This passage challenges contemporary believers to reconsider their relationship with material resources, to embrace stewardship as an act of worship, and to cultivate a deeper relationship with God as the ultimate owner and provider of all things. In doing so, it calls the Christian community to a life marked by generosity, responsibility, and faithful service, reflecting the character of God and advancing His kingdom on earth. This theological reflection invites believers to engage with the world and its resources in a way that honors God, serves the common good, and facilitates personal and communal transformation.