Welcome back! Thank you for taking the time to join me today. It’s always rewarding to share insights and hear about the value they bring to your journey. Today, I want to talk about a vital principle that touches every aspect of our lives: stewardship.

Panicked, I called my manager to report the loss. His initial response was reassuring:

“It’s okay. The iPad is insured; these things happen.”

But later, my relief turned into unease when my manager relayed our boss’s response:

“Merlyn will have to replace the iPad. It’s not about insurance; it’s about being a better steward.”

At the time, I didn’t fully understand what he meant. But that moment set me on a journey to learn a valuable lesson about stewardship, one that I want to share with you today.

What Is Biblical Stewardship?

In Luke 16, Jesus tells the parable of the shrewd manager. In verse 10, He says:

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”

Here, Jesus teaches us that how we manage the resources entrusted to us—no matter how small—reveals our readiness for greater responsibilities.

Think about it: How are you handling the “little” things in your life right now?

• Your current salary, no matter how modest.
• Your position at work, even if it feels insignificant.
• The company resources you’ve been entrusted with.

Faithfulness in these areas is a clear indicator of how we will handle future promotions, wealth, or opportunities. If we’re careless or dishonest with the small things, how can we be trusted with more?

What Does Stewardship Look Like at Work?

1. Time

Ephesians 5:15-16 encourages us to “make the most of every opportunity.” Time is one of the most valuable resources we’re given. Stewardship means managing your work hours effectively—avoiding procrastination, excessive personal tasks, or distractions during office hours.

2. Equipment and Tools

A company phone, laptop, or vehicle is not a “free pass” to indulgence. I once spoke to someone using their company phone for a long call. When I suggested sharing the cost, they replied, “It’s okay; it’s the company phone.”

That mindset is the opposite of stewardship. As Christians, we are called to treat these resources as if they belong to God Himself. If you’re driving a company car, yours should be the cleanest and best-maintained on the lot.

3. Finances

Finances often present the greatest temptation. From tweaking expense reports to mismanaging petty cash or “accidentally” buying a few extra personal items on the company account, small dishonesties can damage both trust and your spiritual integrity.

The Secret to Promotion: Faithfulness

Later in Luke 16, Jesus asks:

“And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?”

This principle is key. How you manage another person’s resources—whether it’s your employer’s assets, a client’s investment, or even a borrowed tool—reflects your readiness for greater opportunities.

God often uses these situations to test and prepare us for the next stage. For instance:

• • • Joseph was entrusted with managing Potiphar’s household and later Pharaoh’s kingdom. His faithfulness in both roles prepared him for God’s ultimate purpose.
    • David served Saul faithfully before becoming king, even when mistreated. His heart for stewardship was tested long before his promotion.

 Stewardship as a Witness

Excellence attracts attention. People of all backgrounds notice integrity and diligence, and your faithfulness at work becomes a powerful testimony of your faith.

In Matthew 25:23, Jesus says:

“You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.”

Being a faithful steward not only honours God but also builds your reputation and trust with others. This can lead to promotions, partnerships, or mentorship opportunities that open doors to your own ventures.

Grace Over Grit: Balancing Excellence and Faith

This principle is especially vital for those aspiring to entrepreneurship or side hustles. Every great entrepreneur starts by stewarding someone else’s resources—whether that’s an employer’s time, a client’s trust, or even another person’s vision.

Faithfulness in these areas forms the foundation for managing your own resources successfully. Don’t let frustration with your current season short-circuit the preparation God is doing in you.

A Final Encouragement

Your faithfulness in stewarding someone else’s resources is part of God’s preparation for what He has planned for you. Take heart, knowing that every moment of diligence is a step toward greater things.

Thank you for joining me today! I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—leave a comment below. And if this blog inspired you, share it with someone who might benefit from it.

Next week, we’ll explore how being a faithful steward at work builds the mindset and habits necessary for entrepreneurship or side hustles. Until then, stay grounded and step boldly into your calling.