Stewardship

Stewardship in the biblical context refers to the responsible management and care of resources, talents, and responsibilities that God has entrusted to individuals. The concept is deeply rooted in the understanding that everything belongs to God, and humans are merely caretakers of His creation. This principle is evident from the very beginning of Scripture, where God places Adam in the Garden of Eden to "work it and take care of it" (Genesis 2:15). This foundational act establishes the role of humanity as stewards of God's creation.

The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 further illustrates the importance of stewardship. In this parable, a master entrusts his servants with varying amounts of money before leaving on a journey. Upon his return, he rewards those who have wisely invested and multiplied their resources, while the servant who buried his talent out of fear is reprimanded. This account underscores the expectation that God's people should actively and wisely manage the resources and opportunities given to them.

Stewardship extends beyond financial resources to include time, abilities, and the gospel message itself. In 1 Peter 4:10, believers are encouraged to "use whatever gift you have received to serve one another, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms" . This passage highlights the diversity of gifts and the call to use them for the benefit of others and the glory of God.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the concept of stewardship in 1 Corinthians 4:2, stating, "Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful" . Faithfulness in stewardship is a recurring theme, emphasizing accountability and the expectation that believers will manage their God-given responsibilities with diligence and integrity.

Integrity

Integrity is a fundamental biblical virtue that denotes wholeness, consistency, and moral uprightness. It is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, even when no one is watching. The Bible places a high value on integrity, as it reflects the character of God Himself, who is described as "a God of faithfulness and without injustice; righteous and upright is He" (Deuteronomy 32:4).

Proverbs 11:3 states, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them" . This verse highlights the guiding nature of integrity, suggesting that those who live with integrity will be led by their moral compass, while those who lack it will ultimately face ruin.

The life of Job serves as a profound example of integrity. Despite severe trials and suffering, Job maintains his integrity, refusing to curse God or abandon his faith. In Job 27:5, he declares, "I will never declare that you are right; I will maintain my integrity until I die" . Job's steadfastness in the face of adversity exemplifies the strength and resilience that come from living a life of integrity.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of integrity in ministry and personal conduct. In 2 Corinthians 8:21, he writes, "For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men" . This commitment to transparency and ethical behavior is essential for maintaining trust and credibility in all areas of life.

Integrity is not only about personal morality but also about how one interacts with others. Ephesians 4:25 encourages believers to "put away falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one another" . This call to honesty and truthfulness underscores the relational aspect of integrity, fostering trust and unity within the community of faith.

In summary, stewardship and integrity are intertwined biblical principles that call believers to manage their God-given resources responsibly and to live lives marked by honesty and moral uprightness. These virtues are essential for reflecting God's character and fulfilling His purposes in the world.