Moving From the Mindset of Ownership to Stewardship
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
Psalm 24:1 (NIV)
In our culture, success is often measured by how much we can achieve, acquire, or control. For business professionals, these measurements can feel magnified: How big is our company? How high are our profits? Are we the biggest and most “successful” in our industry?
Yet as Christians, we’re called to something far greater than this view of ownership. Scripture challenges us to push against this societal norm and instead turn towards a posture of stewardship.
Ownership vs Stewardship: What’s the Difference?
Jesus’ Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30 NIV) offers a powerful picture of stewardship. In this story, a master entrusts his servants with varying amounts of wealth and expects them to manage it faithfully in his absence.
The faithful servants invest and multiply what they’ve been given; the unfaithful servant hides it away.
Ownership
Focuses on control and personal gain, as if resources exist for us rather than God’s purposes.
Ties our identity and security to what we create or possess
Says: “This is mine. I’ve earned this.”
Asks: “What’s best for me?”
Stewardship
Sees us as managers, not owners, using what’s been entrusted to us to bring growth, blessing, and good to others.
Anchors our identity and trust in the Provider
Says: “This has been entrusted to me.”
Asks: “How can I use this for Christ?”
Practical Ways to Live Out Stewardship
At this point, you may be thinking, “This is great, Brien, but what does embracing a mindset of stewardship actually look like in my life?”
After all, understanding why stewardship matters is one thing—living it is another. So, allow me to share some practical ways to put this mindset into action:
1. Start with prayerful gratitude
Lay a foundation of thankfulness. Begin each day by thanking God for the resources you’ve been entrusted with—your income, relationships, skills, and opportunities—and asking Him to help you steward them faithfully today.
2. Give first, not last
Make giving the first line in your budget, not the leftover one. This simple shift is an active way we can continuously align our hearts toward God’s provision. If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at this post by fellow CFAN member, Ben Wacek.
3. Invest with impact in mind
Think beyond just numbers. Whether it’s your investments, business ventures, or even day-to-day purchases, look for ways they can reflect God’s heart and further His purposes. When the fruit of our success blesses others and advances causes that honor Him, the return is far greater than financial—it’s eternal.
Any of the advisors here on the Christian Financial Advisors Network would love to talk about ways you can invest for impact, not just return. This is the kind of stuff that gets us out of bed in the morning!
4. Teach stewardship to the next generation
Don’t just do…teach! Multiply stewardship by modeling it. Share your financial decision-making process with your children, employees, mentees, or anyone else in your life. Live out the example that resources are meant to serve God and others.
Final Thoughts: Stewardship is Empowering!
Stewardship isn’t a lesser calling—it’s a higher one. When we see ourselves as stewards instead of owners, we reframe our work as worship, our influence as service, and “success” as a way to bless others and further God’s Kingdom!
Wherever you are in your financial journey, let me leave you with a word of encouragement: You’re not the ultimate owner. You don’t have to carry it all alone. You’re a steward—and that’s a powerful place to be.
Let your life testify that the greatest return comes when we invest what God has given us into the things that matter for eternity!
Don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our advisors should you want help on your stewardship journey!
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