Money. When most people hear the word “stewardship,” they immediately think of money. For some, the phrase “time, talents and treasures” comes to mind. Many may think of tithing, giving 10%, or “Stewardship Sunday”… but it is much more than that.

Stewardship is defined as the duty of supervising something like an organization or property. This describes stewardship as an all-encompassing choice that affects how people live their lives. This role of steward then extends to every aspect of one’s life. How we spend our time, how we use our talents, and how we care for our treasures.

Have you ever thought of your role as a student in the context of stewardship? Amid assignments, classes, course readings, presentations, and exams, stewardship is likely not top of mind. However, looking at Scripture we see:

• Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time (Colossians 4:5).
• Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is (Ephesians 5:15-17).
• Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters (Colossians 3:23).
• Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding (Proverbs 4:7).

Would it not then, also be important to consider (as a student) what is learned, how it is learned, and what is done with what has been learned? Stewardship is an appropriate foundation from which students consider their current calling as students, as well as their future calling in business and industry.

As a student, the primary role is to gain understanding. This understanding becomes the foundation of the other components: conscious capitalism, servant leadership, ethics and entrepreneurship. To build your career and life where your internal light can shine its brightest, you need a solid foundation of stewardship. The world needs critical thinkers who navigate these problems through a lens of passion, compassion, empathy and service to others. The cornerstone of stewardship is an understanding that our lives have been entrusted to us to create something that has not previously existed before us. We are called to build a legacy of stewardship that speaks of who we are long after we are gone.

As you continue into the next phase of your calling, how will you be? How will you live? How will you use what God has entrusted to you as you learn and grow? For students: What does that look like as you attend class, as you do your homework, as you interact with your classmates, as you prepare for exams?

For prospective students: What does that look like as you identify your path, as you choose a program of study, as you choose a school? For those who have completed their undergraduate or graduate study: How will these thoughts on stewardship inform how you engage throughout your career as a life long learner? How else will you “sharpen your saw?” How will you use what God has entrusted in you to lead, learn, and help others grow? Eleanor Powell once said, "What we are is God’s gift to us. What we become is our gift to God.”*

This is a profound quote; one that serves as an important reminder that we are all managers of what God has entrusted to us. What we do with what we are given speaks volumes to who and whose we are. How and what will you do with what you have been given?

Grand Canyon University is pleased to offer multiple degree programs in a variety of fields. No matter what your career calling is, you will be able to train up your skills. See what's in store for you at GCU.

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* https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/49828-what-we-are-is-god-s-gift-to-us-what-we, November, 2020