The Steward

"The first portion shows faith and acknowledgment of God as the giver." — Pastor Matthew Johnson

The Bible opens with a clear picture of who God is and how He relates to humanity. In Genesis 1, God creates the world with intention, order, and generosity. Humanity is created in God’s image and immediately blessed. God gives life, provides food, establishes purpose, and invites relationship.

Before humanity ever produces anything, God gives everything. Life itself is a gift. Provision follows that gift, and purpose flows from it. From the beginning, God shows that His heart toward people is generous, relational, and good.

This matters because it frames how people are meant to respond to God. Stewardship does not begin with rules or obligations. It begins with recognizing that everything we have comes from God.

A core truth runs throughout Scripture: God owns everything. Humans are not owners but stewards. That means people are entrusted with what God gives and are responsible for how it is used.

This understanding shapes how a person views time, talents, finances, relationships, and opportunities. When God is recognized as the owner, He also has the right to direct how His possessions are managed. Stewardship is not about control. It is about trust.

When people believe they own what they have, they tend to hold tightly. When they understand God owns it all, they are able to live with open hands.

Genesis 4 provides one of the earliest examples of humanity responding to God. Cain and Abel both bring offerings, but God responds differently to each.

Abel brings the firstborn of his flock and the best portions. Cain brings an offering from his crops later, after some time has passed. Scripture makes clear that the issue is not what is offered, but how and why it is offered.

Abel’s offering reflects faith, dependence, and priority. He gives God the first and best, trusting God as his provider. Cain’s offering reflects convenience. He gives after his own needs are accounted for.

God accepts Abel’s offering and rejects Cain’s, revealing what He expects and accepts from His people.

God consistently shows that priority matters. Giving first acknowledges God as the source. Giving the best shows honor and trust.

Abel’s offering demonstrates both. He gives what is guaranteed, not knowing what will come next, and places his confidence in God. His worship is not transactional. It is relational.

Cain’s response lacks both priority and portion. He gives something, but not with a surrendered heart. God does not need what people offer. He desires hearts that trust Him.

God warns Cain that sin is crouching at the door and must be ruled over. This moment exposes a lasting truth. Whatever people refuse to surrender to God will eventually control them.

Holding tightly to possessions, plans, or relationships creates tension with God. People may believe they are in control, but over time those things begin to shape decisions, emotions, and priorities.

Open-handed living allows God to guide, correct, and lead. Closed hands lead to fear and control.

"Whatever it is that you do not want to release to God, eventually it’s going to own you." — Pastor Matthew Johnson

God does not leave people guessing about how to live as stewards. Scripture invites believers to ask God directly for wisdom. James 1:5 promises that God gives generously and without reproach to those who ask in faith.

Prayer becomes a central part of stewardship. It is how people submit decisions, plans, and resources to God. God speaks through His Word, through the guidance of His Spirit, and through gentle nudges and checks that shape daily choices.

Stewardship grows as people learn to listen and respond.

The call to stewardship touches every area of life. Time, finances, relationships, work, and personal decisions are all included. God is not asking for vague intention. He invites practical obedience.

That obedience often begins with small, intentional steps. Setting aside time to pray. Seeking God before making decisions. Planning how to grow in generosity. Choosing obedience even when it is uncomfortable.

Stewardship is not about perfection. It is about direction.

"God, all that I have is yours. Show me how you want me to manage it." — Pastor Matthew Johnson

When people trust God with what they have, they discover that His ways lead to life, not loss. God is faithful. He provides, guides, and leads with wisdom and care.

Living as a steward means recognizing God as the giver, honoring Him with priority and the best portion, and trusting Him with every area of life. This posture leads to freedom, clarity, and the fullness of life God desires for His people.

The Tree Church is a life-giving church serving communities across Ohio, with campuses in Lancaster and Logan. Whether you are looking for a church in Lancaster or a church in Logan, The Tree Church exists to help people grow in their relationship with Jesus.

Sunday services are held at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM at both locations.

Lancaster Campus location.
Logan Campus location.
 
No matter where you are on your journey, you are welcome at The Tree Church.