The following piece was first written for the August 16, 2026 pew sheet at St Augustine’s Anglican Church. I share it here again in the hope that it may continue to encourage and bless.
There are many ways of understanding what it means to be a steward. The apostle Paul puts it simply in 1 Corinthians 4:7: 'What do you have that you did not receive?' It is easy to think that some things we have – our money, possessions, achievements and opportunities – are entirely the result of our own hard work. And indeed, hard work is good and important. But Scripture reminds us that even what we have worked hard to achieve is ultimately received from God. He is the one who gives us life and death, and he gives us the abilities, opportunities and circumstances that enable us to work, earn, save and provide for the future. Christian stewardship, therefore, encompasses every part of our lives. Everything we have is ultimately a gift from God, entrusted to us to be used wisely and faithfully. This truth is not meant to diminish the value of hard work, but to cultivate in us an attitude of thankfulness, gratitude and praise, and a desire to use what God has entrusted to us for his glory and for the good of others.
As part of our series 'Faithful Living,' today we are considering the theme 'Stewards of God's Grace.' The word 'grace' rightly brings to mind the grace of God revealed to us in the gospel of Jesus Christ – the undeserved gift of salvation. And if you are a believer in Christ, this saving grace is at the very heart of who you are as a Christian. But Scripture also speaks of God's grace in terms of the many gifts he graciously entrusts to us. In 1 Peter 4:10 Peter speaks of 'God's grace in its various forms' and immediately connects this with the different gifts God has given to his people. These include our time, abilities, opportunities, possessions and resources. We are therefore stewards of all that God has entrusted to us.
So here is something I invite you to prayerfully consider this week: How can you be a blessing to someone else by using the gifts God has given you? Who could you encourage, help, serve or bless? Take some time to pray about this and then put it into practice. As we learn to receive God's gifts with gratitude and give them generously in service to others, we will discover the joy of faithful stewardship.
Today's Prayer:
'Almighty and gracious God, you have entrusted to each of us gifts and opportunities to serve you and others. Help us to be faithful stewards of your grace, using what you have given us with love, wisdom and generosity. Keep us watchful and faithful as we await the return of your Son, Jesus Christ, and empower us by your Holy Spirit to serve one another for the glory of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.'
The image above shows the Adelaide foothills in South Australia. Photographer unknown.
