Stewardship: A Matter of Time, Talent, and Treasure
By MAT Stewardship Convenor: Tammy Wyman-Wroblewski
Matthew 6:21 – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
When we think of stewardship the first thing that usually comes to mind is money. While that is important, biblical stewardship requires us to live out the three T’s: time, talent as well as treasure. The concept of time, talent and treasure in that order is often used to frame how churches can leverage their resources for a positive impact. It suggests a hierarchical structure where time is the most fundamental, followed by talent, and then treasure. Here is my take on each of these:
Stewardship of Time is a valuable gift from God for which each of us are responsible.
Key aspects of time stewardship:
Time as a Gift: Everyone receives the same 24 hours daily. Time cannot be saved or recovered, highlighting its value and the need to use it well.
Accountability: Individuals are responsible for using the time given by God. Actions and how time is invested will be assessed. The parable of the talents reflects this, rewarding people based on how they use their entrusted resources, including time.
Wise Use: The Bible encourages careful and wise time management, "making the most of every opportunity." This involves prioritizing activities aligned with God’s will and eternal purposes.
Balancing Priorities: Time stewardship involves finding a healthy balance between work, rest, family, and ministry, ensuring that the things that matter most in light of eternity are prioritized.
Focus on the Eternal: Christians are called to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that earthly life is temporary, and to concentrate on the things of lasting value in God’s kingdom.
Stewardship of Talent involves recognizing that God has given each person unique abilities which we are to use for His glory and the benefit of others. It's about developing, honing, and applying these talents, not just for personal gain, but to serve others and grow spiritually.
Recognizing God's Gifts: Every individual possesses unique abilities and talents, which are seen as gifts from God. These can be natural talents or spiritual gifts, and they are not meant to be hidden or ignored.
Developing and Honing Talents: A key aspect of stewardship is the ongoing work of developing and improving one's talents. This involves actively practicing, learning, and seeking to refine one's skills.
Using Talents for God's Glory: Stewardship emphasizes using talents not for self-gratification, but for the benefit of others and to further God's kingdom. This can involve using talents within one's community, church, or workplace to serve and make a difference.
Accountability and Faithfulness: The concept of stewardship implies that individuals are accountable to God for how they use their talents. Faithful stewardship means being diligent in using one's talents for God’s purposes.
Stewardship of Treasure refers to the responsible and generous use of financial resources, viewing them as gifts from God to be shared and used for the common good. It emphasizes that our material possessions are not our own but are entrusted to us by God, and we are called to use them wisely and generously, both for our own needs and for the needs of others.
Key aspects of the "treasure piece" of stewardship:
Viewing resources as gifts from God: Stewardship recognizes that all we have, including our money and possessions, are gifts from God.
Responsible use: This involves budgeting, saving, and investing wisely, ensuring that resources are used to meet both personal and community needs.
Generous giving: A key aspect of stewardship is sharing resources with those in need, whether through charitable organizations, acts of kindness, or supporting causes that align with one’s values.
Accountability: Stewardship encourages us to be accountable for how we use our resources, recognizing that we will be judged by God for how we have managed them.
Gratitude: Being a good steward also involves expressing gratitude for the blessings God has given us.
Foresight and active participation: Stewardship requires us to plan for the future and actively participate in using our resources for the benefit of others.
As I stated earlier, I believe the 3 T’s have an order: time, talent, and then treasure. I look at it like this … without time invested in our church life, how will we learn what skills we can share there? If we don’t invest in the time and talent piece, is it right to expect people to give of their treasure? I don’t think so. It is a process, like “If you build it, they will come.” We must be inviting and welcoming to all and give them time to experience all the joy and love your parish has to give. Let them feel part of who you are as children of God. Then we help them hone their talents and invite them to share them. Help them experience what it is to become Christ in the World. The rewards will be life-changing. The last natural progression, then, will be their treasure. They have now found their church home and are excited to share their talents within the church and the wider community, and realize that all of that takes money—there is just no way around that. Like I, they will be happy to give because it is just the right thing to do.
In closing, our treasures are gifts from God that we are asked to care for and generously share. So next time you think of stewardship, remember the 3 T’s. If you are generous with all three, you’ll undoubtedly hear these words, “Well done, good and faithful steward. Enter into the joy of your master.”
The Mission Action Team for Stewardship supports congregations in cultivating a spirit of gratitude, generosity, and faithful resource use. From time and talent to treasure, we’re here to help you build a culture of giving rooted in discipleship.
📩 Have questions or need resources? Contact Tammy at stewardship@diowis.org.
