The Top 5 Things God Calls You to Steward — and Why Money Comes Lastഉദാഹരണം

#2. Relationships

Some of the most important opportunities God gives us are found in our relationships. Friends, family, colleagues, neighbors – these are not accidents. They are part of the context in which we live out our faith. And how we engage with them reveals much about who we are becoming in Christ.

Scripture is clear: relationships are not just blessings or responsibilities. They are something we are also called to steward.

Relational stewardship simply means being faithful in how we relate to others – how we treat them, how we influence them, and how we reflect Jesus in every interaction. Whether you are leading a team or listening to a hurting friend, every relationship is a chance to love as Christ loved.

Jesus said this:

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:35 NIV

That love isn’t just a feeling. It’s a pattern of life. It shows up in kindness when you're tired, patience when you're frustrated, truth when it would be easier to stay silent. Relational stewardship isn’t about control. It’s about consistency.

This is why relationships come second in our list of stewardship priorities. They aren’t eternal in the same way the gospel is – but they are the primary way the gospel is passed on to others. Your influence matters, and oftentimes much more than you may know. So stewardship of relationships and influence is important, second only to stewardship of the gospel.

And relational stewardship begins most clearly at home. Right there with your own family. Children, in particular, are not just part of your life – they are given directly to you by God.

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” – Psalm 127:3 NIV

Parents are called to raise their children in the knowledge and love of God. That is stewardship in its clearest form: not controlling their future, but faithfully shaping their present. No one will be more influenced by your life and faith than those growing up under your roof.

But the Bible teaches this kind of relational stewardship beyond the boundaries of our family, also:

“Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” – 1Timothy 4:12b NIV

That kind of example doesn’t require a title. Just integrity. Just presence. Just love that doesn’t quit when things get hard.

Sometimes we think we need to go far to serve God. But most of the time, we just need to go deeper with the people already around us. Jesus didn’t reach the world through a crowd – He poured Himself into a few. And those few changed everything.

So ask yourself these questions:

Who has God placed in my life right now – especially within my own home?

What kind of influence am I having – intentional or accidental?

Is my presence drawing people closer to Christ, or distracting them from Him?

You may never know the full impact of your faithfulness. But don’t let that stop you.

Relationships are fragile, but eternal things often hang in the balance.

Steward them well.