Foundation for a Biblical Philosophy of Stewardship

By Michelle Johnson, M.Div., Ph.D. | May 26, 2024

Where to Start?

A solid foundation is critical to any successful project. While this is most evident in the construction world, it is also applicable in other endeavors. I am currently working on a larger writing project on stewardship, specifically developing a biblical philosophy of stewardship. As in the construction of a house or other building, a solid foundation is key to creating a solid and true philosophy of stewardship.

Let’s begin by defining stewardship. Often, the first thing that comes to mind is managing one’s financial resources, but stewardship is broader than that. A quick online query of dictionaries reveals stewardship is “the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.”[1] This definition tells us four things: there is an owner, there is a steward, there is something to be managed, and how it is to be done–responsibly and carefully. The first part of this definition will guide the discussion that follows.

God’s Role

At the core of a biblical philosophy of stewardship is a proper understanding of the parties involved. Scripture begins by establishing God as the creator of everything. Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (NIV) Most of the chapter documents all God created–land, sky, sun and moon, plants, and animals. Verses 26 & 27 reveal God also created humans. “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Because God is the creator of everything, it all belongs to Him. Scripture testifies to this in several places. Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.” In Psalm 50:12, the psalmist records “If I (God) were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.”

One of the other places the Bible identifies God as Creator and thus in charge is the book of Job. Most of the book is a conversation between Job and some of his friends. God speaks to Job beginning in Chapter 38. Through a series of questions, He clarifies that He is the creator, and man (here, specifically Job) is not. “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?” (Job 28:4a) “Who marked off its dimensions?” (Job 38:5a) These and other passages establish the fact that God is the creator and therefore, everything is His.

The Psalmist often testifies to God’s position as Creator and thus owner of everything. In one psalm God says, “I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills…for the world is mine, and all that is in it.” (Psalm 50:9-10, 12a) These are just some of the places in Scripture where we can clearly understand God’s role as it pertains to developing a biblical philosophy of stewardship.

Our Role

The other party in a biblical philosophy of stewardship is mankind, the steward. Genesis 1 clearly tells us that God is the Creator of everything. Verse 27 tells us, “God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” This establishes the relationship between us and God. He is the Creator, and we are the created.

The prophet Isaiah also clearly defines this relationship–God the Creator and mankind the created, in Isaiah 29:16 and 45:9. In both cases, the image of the potter and the clay is used. God is the Potter, the one who creates, and therefore, all that he creates is his, and mankind (or here specifically Israel) is the clay or the created. We find this same illustration in Romans 9:21.

Returning to Genesis, we also find God’s instruction or command to steward as he gave it to mankind. Verse 28 says, “God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number, fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.’” Depending on the version of Scripture you are reading the command either says to “rule over” (NIV, CSB), “have dominion over” (ESV, NASB95), or “reign over” (NASB). No matter the term, the intent is that mankind, created in the image of God, will serve as his representatives on earth. This falls in line with the definition above. A correct biblical philosophy of stewardship involves two parties–the owner (God) and the steward (mankind). One author, in discussing this topic, made an important point.

Where we often think of stewarding or managing things we own, biblical stewardship is different. Nowhere in Scripture do we see God transferring ownership of creation to mankind. Everything remains his, and mankind’s role is to serve as his representative, stewarding according to his ways and will. This is a crucial point to remember.

Conclusion

While this has been just a brief beginning of the discussion on building a biblical philosophy of stewardship, it was intended to establish a concrete foundation of the parties involved and the relationship between them.

God is the Creator, and thus, everything is his. Mankind is part of creation, uniquely made in the image of God, and thus is under God’s authority. Mankind has a God-given directive to steward–act as his representative—creation. Scripture is clear: all creation continues to belong to God, and our role is to act on his behalf in stewarding it.

About the Author

Michelle Johnson, M.Div., Ph.D.: Executive Vice President, Managing Editor of Bellator Christi Ministries, Publisher, and Contributor

Michelle Johnson earned a Ph.D. in Theology and Apologetics at Liberty University. She also earned her M.A. in Theological Studies and her M.Div. in Professional Ministries at Liberty University. Michelle graduated from the University of Minnesota with her undergraduate degrees. She and her husband Steve live in Mankato, Minnesota. Michelle and Steve attend Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie where Michelle serves on the Global Partner Care Team. In addition to her love of theology and apologetics, Michelle also has a passion for historical studies, particularly the theology of the Patristics. When she is not spending time reading or writing, Michelle can often be found dreaming of her next travel adventure or enjoying a great cup of coffee. Michelle serves as the Executive Vice-President and Managing Editor of Bellator Christi Ministries.