Return to Eden
John MacArthur once said, "Everything we have is on loan from the Lord, entrusted to us for awhile." The Bible teaches that God is the Creator and Owner of everything—from mountains to the smallest creatures. As His people, we are stewards, entrusted with His creation. So, what does it actually look like to live as someone entrusted with God’s stuff?
In the beginning, God created a world in perfect harmony. Animals lived in peace, and humans worked the land in fellowship with God (Genesis 2:19-20). There was no hostility between humans and animals; even the human diet excluded animals (Genesis 1:29). But when sin entered the world, that peace was shattered (Genesis 6:5-8). Violence, destruction, exploitation and pollution became part of life.
Yet, God's plan for peace remains. Scripture describes a future where harmony will be restored: "The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the ox" (Isaiah 65:25). Natural enemies will live together peacefully. Even children will safely play near snakes (Isaiah 11:6-8). Just as peace ruled in Eden, it will return when Christ reigns as the Prince of Peace.
Until then, we have a calling. God has entrusted us with His creation, and we are to be faithful stewards—managing finances wisely, caring for the environment, protecting the vulnerable, and looking after animals. Stewardship isn’t just financial management—it’s honoring God with every resource He provides. Are you stewarding God’s resources in ways that advance the kingdom of heaven on earth or are you primarily focused on accumulating wealth for yourself?
When we live as faithful stewards, we reflect God’s heart for creation, protect what He’s made, and prepare for Christ’s return. “The earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:9).
Stewardship also includes caring for the vulnerable—those often overlooked in society. Throughout Scripture, God commands us to defend the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the oppressed. Proverbs 31:8 urges us to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves." Stewardship becomes justice when we use our resources to uplift the needy. In doing so, we mirror God’s compassion and advance His Kingdom. After all, God is a champion of the orphan, the widow, the alien and the vulnerable.
Did you know that you can invest in ways that reduce human trafficking, that provide quality housing to refugees or that seek to care for the environment? You can invest to create media that edifies instead of profanes, and to bring chaplains into the marketplace for better and thriving work communities.
At its core, stewardship aligns with the Great Commission. Jesus instructs us in Matthew 28:19 to "go and make disciples of all nations." Our financial stewardship should also support gospel missions—whether that’s funding missionaries, backing Christian businesses in unreached areas, or mentoring entrepreneurs who seek holistic impact. The Great Commission isn’t just for a few; it’s for all believers to use their resources to spread the good news.
Let’s live out our stewardship responsibilities today—investing in redemptive causes, caring for creation, and helping others. Every act of stewardship matters. We are part of God’s plan, entrusted with His resources until Christ returns.
May we honor Him in all we do, preparing for the day when peace is fully restored.
“Financial Stewardship is Kingdom Stewardship.”