Christian stewardship is often associated with how we manage our resources—time, talent, and treasure—for the glory of God. While it is commonly applied to personal and church life, the principles of stewardship extend powerfully into the workplace. Here, as Christians we are called to be stewards of our responsibilities, relationships, and the environment in which we work.

At the heart of Christian stewardship in the workplace is the diligent fulfillment of our responsibilities. The Bible teaches that Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. (Colossians 3:23). This perspective shifts the focus from merely completing tasks to honouring God through our work. Whether we are in a leadership role or entry-level position, excellence, integrity, and dedication should characterize our efforts. Christians are called to be reliable and trustworthy, reflecting God's character in our work ethic.

The workplace is a dynamic environment where relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and clients are central. Christian stewardship in this context means fostering a culture of respect, kindness, and fairness. The command to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31) applies to the workplace, where treating others with dignity and compassion is a testament to one’s faith. Building positive relationships can lead to a more harmonious work environment and opens opportunities for witnessing through our actions and words.

For those in positions of influence or leadership, Christian stewardship takes on additional significance. Leaders are called to serve others, following the example of Christ, who said, "But whoever would be great among you must be your servant" (Matthew 20:26). This servant leadership model emphasizes humility, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to the well-being of others. Christian leaders should aim to inspire, guide, and support their teams, creating an atmosphere where everyone can thrive.

Time management is another key aspect of stewardship in the workplace. Christians are encouraged to use their time wisely, recognizing that it is a gift from God. This involves prioritizing our tasks effectively, avoiding procrastination, and balancing work with rest. Additionally, how we manage workplace resources—such as finances, equipment, and intellectual property—reflects our commitment to stewardship. Misusing resources not only harms the organization but also contradicts the principles of stewardship that call for responsible and ethical management of what has been entrusted to us.

Finally, Christian stewardship in the workplace is a powerful avenue for witnessing. By exemplifying integrity, compassion, and diligence, Christians can stand out as lights in a sometimes dark world. Colleagues may notice the difference in how a believer approaches work and relationships, leading to opportunities to share the gospel. The workplace becomes a mission field where our actions and attitudes can lead others to Christ.

Christian stewardship in the workplace is about more than just performing well; it is about honoring God through every aspect of our professional lives. By being faithful stewards of our responsibilities, relationships, influence, time, and resources, we reflect God's character and create opportunities to witness to others. In doing so, we fulfill our calling to serve God in all areas of life, including the workplace.

Becoming Mature

Times of trials, testing, and temptation are opportunities to mature.

The book of James is a book of wisdom showing us how to live out our faith in Christ.

Read James 1:2-8 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Big Idea:
Times of trials, testing, and temptation are opportunities to mature. As a teen, I was so hungry to grow up and mature. In James 1, we read about a different sort of maturity…spiritual. It says that spiritual maturity comes from developing perseverance and that perseverance is developed through trials and testing. How does this work?

Verse 5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” This trial, temptation, and test is an opportunity for you to seek God. And as you seek Him in your weakness, fear, or frustration for wisdom, the Bible says, that He “gives generously to all without finding fault.” He is not disappointed in you or expecting you to make it through this time on your own.

These times of testing, trial, and temptation will have one of two results. Either you will spend this time being “blown and tossed by the wind” (v6) finding yourself and your faith incredibly shaken or you will find greater stability on the Rock. Psalm 18:2 says, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.”

We have the chance in our trial to learn how to hide in Him. As we learn to depend on Him, seek Him, and hide in Him through our storms, we mature. Our faith is no longer based on knowledge, but it’s based on tested experience and relationships.

Maybe that’s why James says to “consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” When we see the purpose behind our circumstances and that God is using these times to mature us, it changes our perspective.

Let’s pray today asking God for a fresh perspective to see our circumstances through new eyes. Pray to ask God to use these times in your life to grow you closer in your walk with Him.

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.  Jas 1:12.

(From devotions4teens.com)

​Jonah was a prophet of Israel who God had called to share His words with the people.

Big Idea: Storms and smelly fish may be God’s mercy in your life!

Jonah 1The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” 3 But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord. 

4 Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. 5 All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. 6 The captain went to him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us so that we will not perish.” 7 Then the sailors said to each other, “Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity.” They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. 8 So they asked him, “Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What kind of work do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?” 9 He answered, “I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” 10 This terrified them and they asked, “What have you done?” (They knew he was running away from the Lord, because he had already told them so.) 11 The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?” 12 “Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” 13 Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. 

14 Then they cried out to the Lord, “Please, Lord, do not let us die for taking this man’s life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, Lord, have done as you pleased.” 15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. 16 At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him. 17 Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

It seems almost ridiculous that Jonah, a prophet of God, thinks he can run away from God by getting on a boat and sailing away. As a prophet to the people and to the Kings of Israel (2 Kings 14:21-25), Jonah knows that God sees all, knows all, and carries out His plan. But nevertheless, here we see Jonah on a boat trying to find a place outside of God’s reach. What’s God’s response to Jonah’s pride and disobedience? God sends a storm. Jonah responds by taking a nap. So the storm gets rougher…so rough in fact that the people around Jonah recognize this isn’t a normal storm but a supernatural one. Does Jonah turn back at this point? Does he cry out to God in surrender? No. Jonah comes up with his own plan and the people on the boat throw him in the water. Surrounded by huge waves and winds, Jonah and his pride have taken him to the lowest point (you would think). But then a HUGE FISH swallows him and Jonah gets to hang out for three days in the fish’s stomach.

Verse 17 is quite striking, where it says, “Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah.” Provided? Instead of seeing that storm and giant fish as a punishment for Jonah’s disobedience, let’s flip our vision and see them for what they really were… MERCY. Punishment would have meant drowning but mercy came in the form of a smelly fish.
In Jonah’s life and in ours, God may send circumstances or close doors to steer us back on course or to protect us from unseen situations. Maybe you get a rejection letter from your 1st choice college, a relationship ends, or you don’t get the job you wanted. Maybe you get caught by your parents before you make a stupid decision. In all those situations, they feel bad and frustrating at the moment. But God is sovereign (all knowing), and good, and loves us more than we can understand. He has a plan for your life and will do what is necessary to protect you and keep you in right relationship with Him (including a smelly fish and a big storm).

If you find yourself running from God’s will and plan, instead of having to spend time in your fish, learn from Jonah and turn. Turn to God surrendering your life, your will, and your ways to Him. As we daily surrender ourselves to Him, maturity in our Christian walk means we begin to trust Him knowing that if removes something, closes a door, or says no, it’s for YOUR GOOD. Today, thank Him for His sovereignty, mercy, and goodness!

Takeaway Verse: Psalm 37:5 Commit it your way to the Lord; trust in Him and he will act.