Obedience and Faithfulness – Key requirements in Kingdom stewardship.

Stewardship refers to the responsibility of managing everything God has entrusted to us — including time, talents, treasures, relationships, and the environment. Faithfulness and obedience are two core requirements of godly stewardship. These virtues are repeatedly emphasized in the Bible as essential qualities of a steward who seeks to please God.

The foundational truth is that God owns everything (Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”), and humans are entrusted with its care and proper use.

Faithfulness means being trustworthy, consistent, and loyal to the responsibilities God has given us. 1 Corinthians 4:2 – “Moreover, it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.”
This verse highlights that God values faithfulness over success in human terms. A faithful steward does not act for self-interest but for the glory of God and the well-being of others. In Luke 16:10-12 – Jesus teaches that being faithful in small matters qualifies one to handle greater responsibility: “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much…”

And in Matthew 25:14-30 (The Parable of the Talents): the master praises the faithful servants: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Their reward came not from the amount gained but from being faithful with what they were given.

Obedience involves submitting to God’s will, following His commands, and aligning our decisions with His Word. John 14:15 says – “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
A good steward loves the Master and proves it through obedience. In Genesis 6, Noah’s obedience in building the ark demonstrates stewardship of divine instructions even in the face of public ridicule vs 22 – “Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.”
God’s blessings are promised to those who diligently obey the voice of God. Deuteronomy 28:2

Biblical Examples of Faithful and Obedient Stewards include Joseph (Genesis 39–41) who despite hardship, was a faithful and obedient steward in Potiphar’s house and in prison, eventually, he became a ruler in Egypt. Daniel remained obedient to God even under Babylonian rule, refusing to defile himself and showing excellence in service. Also, Jesus Christ, our ultimate example of obedience — “He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). Jesus fulfilled the will of the Father perfectly.

Implications for Christians Today

• We are accountable: Romans 14:12 – “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”
• We must be intentional: Stewardship is not accidental. It requires planning, discipline, and a heart committed to God’s purpose.
• We should serve with joy and diligence: Colossians 3:23 – “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”

Faithfulness and obedience are inseparable from true biblical stewardship. Every believer is a steward of God’s gifts, and one day we will all stand before Him to give an account. Let us, therefore, strive to be faithful and obedient stewards, so that we, too, may hear:
“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matthew 25:21). When Jesus comes back again, it is only the faithful people that will be with him. Revelation 17:14… and they that are with him are called and chosen and faithful.