Our culture idolizes achievement. With messaging that is subtle, and at times very direct, we are encouraged to chase “more”—more followers, more productivity, and more money. Embedded within these messages is the promise that our pursuit of success will bring us prestige, significance, and happiness. Yet, the more we add to our plates, the harder they are to maintain. As we struggle to keep up, we can become overwhelmed and inevitably begin to wonder if all we are doing to get “more” is really worth it.
Thankfully, Scripture offers us an off-ramp from this never-ending highway of achievement. Specifically, the wisdom found in the book of Proverbs graciously invites us to rethink our priorities. Instead of constantly chasing the next big thing, we are encouraged to be faithful stewards of what we have, using the resources God has given us in a way that glorifies Him and blesses those around us.
Reclaiming The Ordinary Moments
The book of Proverbs is full of concise and punchy wisdom sayings that teach us how to be wise stewards in our everyday lives. It talks about how we spend our money (Prov. 21:20), our work ethic (Prov. 10:4), and even how we use our time (Prov. 6:6-11). But what is notable is that the stewardship wisdom it provides often relates to the small, ordinary moments of life.
Sometimes our lives become deeply repetitive, where each day is the same as the one before. Whether we are managing a household or running a business, we can be tempted to view the tasks or routines we repeat over and over again as insignificant. Instead of focusing on these mundane activities, we focus on big accomplishments that are impressive and worthy of being shared on our social media page.
Proverbs helps us reframe our perspective as we reclaim the value and impact of the ordinary. Every moment becomes an opportunity to proclaim the truth about God and what we should value as His people. Saving a portion of our income instead of splurging on an impulse purchase shows that preparation is more important than immediate gratification. Embodying integrity when our coworkers are taking shortcuts shows that honesty matters more than self-promotion.
Every time we slow down and ask, “God, what have you placed in my hands, and how, in wisdom, can I use it for your glory?”, we cultivate an awareness that empowers us to transform small, mundane tasks into missional opportunities. Furthermore, as we grow to consistently steward the investment of these ordinary moments well, the blessing we are able to share with others compounds.
Doing More With Less
One of the beautiful connections the author of Proverbs makes through his wisdom sayings is that stewardship is a pathway to generosity (Prov. 11:24-25). The resources we’ve been given aren’t for us to hoard, but are to be shared. Instead of holding them tightly or burying them in the ground (Matt. 25:14-30), the way of wisdom leads us to live with open hands. Even when we are fearful that by sharing with others we won’t have enough for ourselves, the wisdom of stewardship reminds us that if God is the One who gave us the resources, then He is our Source, and as such, He can care for us while we are faithful to share what He’s given us.
In God’s economy, success isn’t measured by our bank balance or the number of followers; it’s measured by our faithfulness. And, this faithfulness, in part, is made manifest in how we use our resources for the benefit of others. It’s found in how we use our homes to welcome those who are lonely, our time to serve our coworkers, or even a brief moment of downtime to send an encouraging text. Furthermore, similar to how Jesus multiplied the disciples’ lunch donation in Matthew 14, I believe that when we are willing to invest what we have into someone else, God multiplies the return.
Think about the potential impact of a stay-at-home mom who uses her space to welcome others by inviting a fellow mom over for coffee or hosting a dinner for her small group. God can use her generous hospitality to create long-lasting belonging and connectedness.
Or, if someone works outside the home, she might use her time to mentor a new hire or leverage her influence to champion a healthy workplace culture. God can use her leadership to help create an environment of flourishing for her coworkers.
Or, if someone is juggling home and career, her generosity might begin with a simple question, “What can I offer today to bless someone else?” God can use this seemingly small sacrifice to prompt this person to bless someone who has been praying for help, which will inevitably result in increased faith in God for both people.
Now, these acts of generosity rarely come with recognition. They are quiet, unseen, sacrificial choices that proclaim one key truth: God is enough, so whatever He has given us, we can give freely to others. However, eventually, these simple acts of generous stewardship begin to bear fruit as they heal relationships, make disciples, and produce lives marked by a deep trust in God rather than in platforms or wealth.
A Lasting Legacy
While noble and full of potential impact, living a life of generous stewardship is not always easy. In the moments when we feel discouraged, we need to remember the ultimate example of generosity—Jesus. His life is the model of what it looks like to walk in the way of wisdom. Jesus didn’t cling to power or prestige, but humbly stewarded His life for the sake of others (Phil. 2:6-8). He used His time and resources to heal the sick, be present with outcasts, and remain faithful to His kingdom mission when His own disciples were not faithful to Him. Then, in the greatest act of generosity, He sacrificed His life for us so that we might have eternal life with God.
Through His gracious gift, we see afresh what it means to steward our lives, time, and skills for His glory and the good of others. Christ’s example reminds us that as we steward well what He’s given to us, we get to be a part of a purpose that’s much greater than personal achievement—a legacy of faithfulness that extends far into eternity.
This article by Elizabeth Woodson is originally from HomeLife Magazine.
The Way of Wisdom
In this 8-session Bible study, six beloved Bible teachers invite you to place your feet firmly on the path of life revealed in the book of Proverbs. As you consider wisdom principles on everyday topics like words, work, friendship, marriage, parenting, neighborliness, money management, leadership influence, and more, you’ll discover the wisdom of Proverbs as an invitation to steadily walk God’s way in God’s world.
