Resource management, from a biblical perspective, involves the stewardship and responsible oversight of the resources that God has entrusted to individuals and communities. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, beginning with the creation account and extending throughout Scripture. The Bible provides principles and examples that guide believers in managing resources wisely, including time, talents, finances, and the environment.

Creation and Stewardship

The foundation of resource management is established in the creation account in Genesis. God created the world and everything in it, declaring it "very good" (Genesis 1:31). Humanity is given a unique role in creation, as God commands Adam and Eve to "be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth" (Genesis 1:28). This mandate implies stewardship, where humans are caretakers of God's creation, responsible for its preservation and productivity.

Principles of Resource Management

1. Ownership and Stewardship: The Bible teaches that God is the ultimate owner of all resources. Psalm 24:1 states, "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein" . Believers are stewards, managing resources on behalf of God. This perspective encourages a sense of accountability and responsibility.

2. Wisdom and Planning: Proverbs emphasizes the importance of wisdom and planning in resource management. Proverbs 21:5 notes, "The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty" . Wise management involves careful planning and foresight, avoiding impulsive decisions that can lead to waste or loss.

3. Generosity and Sharing: The Bible encourages generosity and the sharing of resources with those in need. 2 Corinthians 9:7 reminds believers, "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver" . Generosity reflects trust in God's provision and a commitment to community welfare.

4. Contentment and Avoidance of Greed: Contentment is a key principle in managing resources. Hebrews 13:5 advises, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you'" . Greed and the pursuit of wealth can lead to poor resource management and ethical compromises.

Examples of Resource Management in Scripture

1. Joseph in Egypt: Joseph's management of resources during the years of plenty and famine in Egypt is a prime example of effective resource management (Genesis 41). His strategic planning and wise allocation of resources saved Egypt and surrounding nations from disaster.

2. The Parable of the Talents: In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells the parable of the talents, illustrating the importance of using and multiplying the resources entrusted to us. The servants who wisely invested their master's money were rewarded, while the one who buried his talent was rebuked.

3. The Early Church: The early Christian community practiced resource sharing, as seen in Acts 2:44-45: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need" . This communal approach ensured that no one lacked necessities.

Environmental Stewardship

The Bible also addresses the management of natural resources and the environment. Leviticus 25:23-24 emphasizes the land's sacredness and God's ownership: "The land must not be sold permanently, because it is Mine, and you are but foreigners and sojourners with Me. Thus for every piece of property you possess, you must provide for the redemption of the land" . This underscores the responsibility to care for the earth and use its resources sustainably.

In summary, resource management in the Bible is about faithful stewardship, wise planning, generosity, and contentment. It calls believers to manage all resources—material, financial, and environmental—in a way that honors God and serves others.