God created the heavens, the earth, and all living creatures in six days, and on the seventh day, He rested. Every type of plant, every mountain, river, tree, and all the animals that reside on earth, He made. Then, after everything was created, He decided to bring in a manager, someone to take care of His creation. On the sixth day, God created Adam and formed him in the likeness of God. God’s assignment to Adam was large yet simple—manage the garden, name the animals, and have fellowship with God. He told Adam to enjoy the garden, take care of it, work it, but not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.
God gave Adam a great responsibility. While God managed the entire universe, Adam, who was created in the image of God, was to manage the garden. Notice Heaven, earth, and the garden were all created before Adam was brought in. Why? Because if Adam had created anything, then he would be an owner or co-creator instead of just being a steward or manager of the garden. The Bible clearly says God made Heaven, earth, and everything in it!
Nehemiah 9:6
You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.
Why is it important that Adam was brought in after everything was made? So man (Adam) couldn’t boast and take credit for God’s creation. Adam’s role was only to take care of what God had given him. Simply put, Adam didn’t arrive on the scene with nothing to do; he was given a huge responsibility.
Essentially, Adam was to be the director of operations, a steward of everything in the garden. From day one, Adam’s life had purpose and meaning—what a great honor! If he had had a business card, it might have said, “God’s Creation Director”.
This role came with not only great responsibility but also with a few rules. It was as though God said, “Adam, you have a high calling. You were not only created in My image, but I want you to be in fellowship with Me, and I’m going to trust you to be a good steward of My creation on Earth. Adam, as you manage the garden, I’ll manage the universe. Yes, you’re my creation, but you’re unlike anything else I’ve created. I’m going to give you purpose and responsibility, along with direct access to me. But with this responsibility, there are some guidelines: First, as the Creator of all things, there are some things you don’t know, and if you abide in Me, I will direct you, and you will be blessed! Be mindful as you work the garden. There are some things that you will want to avoid. Second, as you are faithful in your stewardship, I will give you more responsibility.”
Luke 12:48
From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
So why is this important to us as men now? You and I have the same role to play as Adam did because God has assigned us all with responsibility. We are called to manage our own garden, but with the mindset that it’s not ours. The house I live in and the cars I drive are not mine. Even my own body is temporary. Everything that I have been given—whether it’s a business, a house, land, investments, or family and friends—I am to be a good steward of. As a business owner, I have to constantly remind myself that I’m a steward, not the owner. The Lord is looking for me to honor Him in everything I do, and as I honor Him, I have found that the Lord, in turn, blesses me even more!
Men, if we adopt an ownership mindset, we start believing that the prosperity we receive is solely for our own benefit. When this happens, we remove God as the Creator and place ourselves on the throne. As God blesses us as stewards and we honor Him, He expands our responsibilities. I’ve witnessed this firsthand in my practice of tithing. If we perceive that we own everything, tithing becomes a challenge. But when we shift our perspective from ownership to stewardship, honoring Him becomes much more natural. The job or business you have is a gift from God. The money, food, clothes, and roof over your head—all come from Him. Remember, He owns the cattle on a thousand hills!
Psalm 50:10
For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.
As a steward of my business, I often remind myself that it is God who has allowed my business to prosper. As it flourishes, my responsibilities increase. While this isn’t a message on tithing, we should consider what God says about tithing. In Proverbs 3:9-10, God says that we are to give Him the first 10% of the crops. (Crops being resources for our family.) He not only tells us if we tithe then the floodgates will open, but it’s the only subject in the Bible that God says to test Him on this. You know what? I’ve put Him to the test. Yet, it’s not done without some inner struggle. As God blesses with abundance, so grows the battle in the mind—to maintain stewardship rather than striving to take control. God seeks faithful stewards. His Word reminds us that He roams the earth looking for those who will honor Him. Not only in matters of finances, but also in sharing His Word and caring for His people.
But all too often the very men whom He blesses tend to shift their mindsets from steward to owner. When that occurs, it’s as if we’re attempting to dethrone God. One such example is of the rich farmer from Luke 12:18. The farmer said I’m going to tear down my barns and build bigger ones so I can hoard my grain, eat meat, drink wine and be merry the rest of my days. And at that moment, God said you’ve lost your life! The rich farmer forgot who made him rich. He forgot who actually fed and provided for him. The moment the farmer shifted his mindset from steward to owner, his life was requested. It doesn’t mean he died immediately but I believe his soul was lost.
Two things occurred when God blessed Adam in the garden. First, God provided for Adam, and second, Adam was given responsibility. Similarly, like Adam, we are blessed by God and entrusted with the responsibility to be good stewards of what we have been given—whether it’s a job, a business, or a roof over our heads. As long as we acknowledge that He is the one who blesses us and we honor Him, He will always be faithful and provide for us. Put simply, if you’re faithful, so is He! However, remember, you’re the steward, not the owner. The moment we depart from this earth, our stewardship responsibilities transfer to someone else. Therefore, ask the Lord to help you become a good steward because He is a good Father!
Have a great week!
S.L. Thomas, RTM