Rev. Jonathan Fulton

Good morning, if you have your Bibles, please turn with me to Psalm 24, verse 1. “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” Let that sink in for a moment. Everything—your bank account, your body, your very thoughts—belongs to God. We are not owners; we are stewards. Today, I want to speak to you from God’s Word about stewardship: faithfully managing what He has entrusted to us in our finances, our physical health, and our spiritual and mental lives. This isn’t just about being responsible; it’s about worship. It’s about saying, “Lord, all I have is Yours—use it for Your glory.”

But let’s be honest: stewardship isn’t easy. We live in a world that screams, “It’s all about you!” Ads tell us we deserve the latest gadget. Social media fuels comparison. And our own hearts whisper lies that lead us astray. So, before we dive into how to steward well, let’s examine what hinders us. Because recognizing the barriers is the first step to breaking them down.

What Hinders Good Stewardship?

Financial Stewardship: The Traps of the Heart

Brothers and sisters, money is a tool, not a master—but how often do we let it rule us? Jesus warned in Matthew 6:24 that we cannot serve both God and money. What gets in the way?

First, ego. That voice saying, “I deserve this.” You’ve worked hard, so why not splurge on that vacation or that new car? But ego blinds us to God’s provision. It forgets that every dollar is a gift from Him, meant to be used wisely.

Then there’s envy. “I want what they have.” Scrolling through Instagram, seeing your neighbor’s new house or your friend’s fancy dinner—it’s the tenth commandment in action: “You shall not covet” (Exodus 20:17). Envy drives us to spend beyond our means, chasing shadows instead of contentment in Christ.

And don’t forget greed. It’s never enough. We hoard, we cling, we refuse to give. But Proverbs 11:24 tells us, “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.” Greed starves the soul.

Examples of bad financial stewardship? Look at the highly indebted—credit cards maxed out, loans piling up. It’s bondage. Proverbs 22:7 says, “The borrower is slave to the lender.” Church, if that’s you, there’s grace to turn it around.

Physical Stewardship: The Sin of Sloth

Now, let’s talk about our bodies. First Corinthians 6:19-20 declares, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” Our physical health is a stewardship issue.

The big hindrance here? Laziness. It’s the couch over the gym, the snooze button over the morning walk. Laziness dishonors the Creator who knit us together (Psalm 139:13-14).

Examples of poor physical stewardship abound: obesity from unchecked indulgence, or even dressing sloppily—pajama pants in public, yoga pants as daily wear, neglecting basic hygiene. It’s not about vanity; it’s about self-respect and readiness to serve. If we’re too tired or unhealthy, how can we love our neighbor as ourselves?

Spiritual and Mental Stewardship: The Root of Pride

Finally, our spiritual and mental lives. This is the core—guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

Pride is the chief enemy. Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Pride says, “I don’t need God; I’ve got this.” It blocks humility, repentance, and growth.

Coupled with that is problems with authority—rebelling against godly leaders, Scripture, or even the Holy Spirit’s nudge. It’s the same spirit that led to the fall in Eden: “I know better.”

When we neglect this area, our minds become battlegrounds for anxiety, doubt, and sin. But God calls us to renewal: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

Friends, these hindrances aren’t just bad habits; they’re sins that separate us from God’s best. But praise God, He doesn’t leave us there! Through Christ, we can overcome and step into faithful stewardship.

Good Stewardship: Building Habits That Honor God

Stewardship isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a lifestyle of healthy habits. As Jesus said in Luke 16:10, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” Let’s build those habits.

Financial: Living Within God’s Provision

Start with living within your means. It’s freedom, not restriction.

• Be debt-free, with the possible exception of a mortgage. Pay off those cards; cut the chains.
• Build a 3-6 month emergency fund. Life happens—job loss, medical bills—but preparation honors God.
• Plan for retirement and investments. It’s wise foresight, like the ant in Proverbs 6:6-8, storing up for winter.

Tithe, give generously, and watch God multiply (Malachi 3:10). Financial stewardship isn’t about getting rich; it’s about being faithful.

Physical: Caring for the Temple

Honor your body daily.

• Commit to 30-45 minutes of exercise. It doesn’t have to be intense—bodyweight exercises like push-ups and squats, stretching, or a brisk walk. Move as an act of worship.
• Eat healthy: Limit sugars and caffeine, moderate portions. Remember, “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

These habits energize you for ministry. A healthy body serves a healthy mission.

Spiritual and Mental: Disciplines of the Soul

This is the foundation. Without it, the rest crumbles.

• Find community. Don’t go it alone. Join a church—whether a small house church for intimacy, a large one for resources, or something in between. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together.”
• Embrace discipline:
  • Pray daily. Mornings for requests, laying your day before God (Psalm 5:3). Evenings for thankfulness, reflecting on His faithfulness (Psalm 92:2).
  • Read God’s Word. Dive in daily; let it shape your mind (Joshua 1:8).
  • Share your faith. The Great Commission isn’t optional (Matthew 28:19-20). Tell your story; invite others to know Jesus.

These aren’t checkboxes; they’re lifelines to the Vine (John 15:5). Abide in Him, and you’ll bear fruit.

A Call to Faithful Stewardship

Imagine a life where every dollar spent, every step taken, every thought pondered brings glory to God. That’s the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10). But it starts with surrender. Today, examine your stewardship. Where are the hindrances? Confess them. Where are the habits lacking? Build them in His strength.

Let me pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for entrusting us with so much. Forgive our poor stewardship—our ego, envy, greed, laziness, and pride. Empower us by Your Spirit to live faithfully: debt-free, healthy, prayerful, and bold in faith. May we hear Your words one day: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Go forth and steward well, for His kingdom.