Stewardship

Stewardship, a term that is often referred to in the Christian faith, is a person that has been made an overseer or caretaker of one's property with the proper regard to the rights of others.  Christians have been made caretakers of God's house until He returns again.  In other words, we are in charge of the affairs of God's house, the Church. 

Tithing in only one part of the steward's responsibilities.  Tithing is the act of giving one tenth of our income to the Lord's house for the general maintenance and ministry of God.  An offering is the amount given in excess of the tenth.  This action on the part of the Christians is to support God's plan for His Church.  Several scriptural texts have been listed to further explain tithing as it is told in the Old and New Testaments.  They are as follows:

• Genesis 14:17-24; 28:20-22

• Malachi 3:6-12

• Joshua 1:8

• Leviticus 27:30

• Deuteronomy 8:18; 30:19; 14:22; 12:17

• Proverbs 3:9-10; 10:22

• Jeremiah 1:12

• II Corinthians 9:6-15

• I John 5:4-5

• Mark 11:22-24; 10:20-30

• Matthew 6:19-21; 23:23

• Luke 6:38; 18:12

• Colossians 1:10

Stewardship also includes giving of our time and talent to the service of God and for the building of the the Kingdom of God.  It is an essential element of the Christian witness who must be willing to sacrifice and give of himself or herself as reasonable service to God.  It is important that each member respond to the call of stewardship both in service, love and tithing.