Intentional Stewardship: Sowing Where Strength Grows

Biblical Foundation

Jacob demonstrated intentional stewardship by placing the rods only before the strong animals, ensuring the best results from his efforts. His actions were marked by precision and purpose, strategically stewarding his resources for maximum outcome.

Genesis 30:41–42 highlights that Jacob put the rods only before the strong livestock, distinguishing between the strong and the weak.

Genesis 30:41-43

⁴¹ And it came to pass, whenever the stronger livestock conceived, that Jacob placed the rods before the eyes of the livestock in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods. ⁴² But when the flocks were feeble, he did not put them in; so the feebler were Laban’s and the stronger Jacob’s. ⁴³ Thus the man became exceedingly prosperous, and had large flocks, female, and male servants, and camels and donkeys.

Kingdom Principle: The Strong vs. the Weak

Not all opportunities yield the same results. Pioneers and reformers exercise discernment to determine where to invest their time, resources, and focus to achieve the highest possible Kingdom return.

Marketplace Application: Selective Investment

· Qualify Your Clients: Use initial conversations to assess motivation, financial readiness, and seriousness before dedicating your best resources. This ensures your energy is focused on those most likely to provide strong returns.

· Prioritise High-Return Deals: Direct most of your effort into transactions with the potential to multiply your income, influence, and impact.

· Say No to Low-Value Deals: Do not hesitate to turn down deals that are likely to drain your resources without offering significant value. This discipline allows you to concentrate on more promising opportunities.

Jacob’s method underscores the principle that not every opportunity produces the same yield. Pioneers in the marketplace apply discernment to maximise returns.

In the marketplace, this means focusing your best time and energy on deals that multiply. For example, investing your best resources in high-value listings or clients rather than pursuing every lead.

Ministry Application:

In ministry, pour your deepest investment into disciples who multiply, not those who merely consume. Invest your energy where it will bear the most Kingdom fruit.

Activation Question: “Am I spending my best effort on the strongest opportunities, or draining energy on the weak?”

Practical Stewardship in the Marketplace

Be intentional with where you invest your time, energy, and capital. Recognise that not every opportunity deserves your full attention. In property, for instance, it is easy to become distracted by time-wasting efforts, such as clients who are unwilling to do their own research and repeatedly ask unproductive questions. These clients may take advantage of your time at no cost to themselves, ultimately costing you valuable time and money.

Steward your team, clients, and platforms with care. Excellence in stewardship attracts favour, and intentionality is essential for maintaining high standards across every platform. Stewardship is a vital commodity, necessary for success in any environment.

1. Identifying Common Values

In both ministry and the marketplace, certain core values serve as the foundation for ethical behaviour and meaningful engagement. These values, when embraced, can lead to a positive impact in both spheres.

Let’s look at some of these Values.

Integrity

Integrity is a cornerstone value that is essential in both ministry and the marketplace. It involves being honest, transparent, and consistent in actions and decisions. In the marketplace, integrity builds trust with customers, employees, and stakeholders. In ministry, it fosters genuine relationships and credibility. By upholding integrity, individuals can create environments where trust and respect thrive.

 

1 Kings 9:4-5

⁴ Now if you walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of heart and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and My judgments, ⁵ then I will establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel forever…
 
Job’s life is an exceptional testimony of integrity, and the reason God held him in high esteem. Read Job 31:

• He stayed true to covenant. His word was his honour. In business, relationships and towards God. Verse 1

• He walked in truth and not with falsehood. He knew God counted every footstep. Everything he did was scrutinized, even those things done in secret. Verse 4, 5

• He lived a balanced life. Verse 6

• His hands stayed pure, his focus and steps were in line with God. He was unwavering in his actions, and in his intent. Verse 7

• He sowed intentionally :8

• Deceit was not in his heart :9. Not against his wife or neighbour. He knew if he did so, his wife would carry the punishment of his deceitful actions.

• He didn’t despise his servants, no man, or woman. He believed in equality. Therefore, he was not gender biased. Verse 13

• He looked after the poor, the fatherless and the widow: Verse 16 and 17

• He didn’t abuse those in his care nor the orphan: verse 21

• He didn’t put his confidence in money, nor was riches his focus. He knew who he had to praise.

• He didn’t rejoice in another’s suffering: verse 29

•  Nor did he boast in his own triumphs: verse 29

• He did not curse or speak falsely about someone else.  Verse 30

• He opened his doors to the traveller: verse 32

• He was honest with God about his transgressions; he didn’t cover it: verse 33

• He was not manipulated by crowds or numbers. He stayed his course. He could account for each step and was blameless: Verse 35

• He has paid people fairly and never complained: Verse 36

• He took care of his land with diligence and patience’s: verse 37

Service

Service is another shared value that plays a crucial role in both contexts. In ministry, service is often seen as living out one's faith by helping others and meeting their needs. In the marketplace, a service-oriented mindset can lead to exceptional customer service, employee satisfaction, and community engagement. Emphasising service in both areas encourages a focus on others and a commitment to making a positive difference.

 

2 Corinthians 9:10-12

¹⁰ Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 

¹¹ while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. ¹² For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God.

Leadership

Leadership is about guiding and inspiring others towards a common goal. Effective leadership in the marketplace involves setting a vision, motivating teams, and making strategic decisions. In ministry, leadership often includes spiritual guidance, mentoring, and fostering a sense of community. By developing strong leadership skills, individuals can influence and inspire those around them, whether in a business or a faith-based setting.

 

Examples of leadership:

Joshua

Through three major military campaigns involving more than thirty enemy armies, the people of Israel learn a crucial lesson under Joshua’s capable leadership: victory comes through faith in God and obedience to His word, rather than through military might or numerical superiority.

Nehemiah

Nehemiah, a contemporary of Ezra and cupbearer to the king in the Persian palace, leads the third and last return to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. His concern for the welfare of Jerusalem and its inhabitants prompts him to take bold action. Granted permission to return to his homeland, Nehemiah challenges his countrymen to arise and rebuild the shattered wall of Jerusalem. Despite opposition from without and abuse from within, the task is completed in only fifty-two days, a feat even the enemies of Israel must attribute to God’s enabling. By contrast, the task of reviving and reforming the people of God within the rebuilt wall demands years of Nehemiah’s godly life and leadership.

Timothy

Paul, the aged and experienced apostle, writes to Timothy, who is facing a heavy burden of responsibility in the church at Ephesus. The task is challenging false doctrine must be erased, public worship safeguarded, and mature leadership developed.

Compassion

Compassion involves empathy, kindness, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others. In the marketplace, compassionate leaders, and employees create supportive and inclusive workplaces. In ministry, compassion is a fundamental expression of faith and love for others. By practising compassion, individuals can build connections and create environments where people feel valued and cared for.

 

Psalms 78:38-39

³⁸ But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity,

And did not destroy them.

Yes, many a time He turned His anger away,

And did not stir up all His wrath;

³⁹ For He remembered that they were but flesh,

A breath that passes away and does not come again.

 

Zechariah 7:8-10

⁸ Then the word of the LORD came to Zechariah, saying, ⁹ “Thus says the LORD of hosts:

Execute true justice,

Show mercy and compassion

Everyone to his brother.

¹⁰ Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless,

The alien or the poor.

Let none of you plan evil in his heart

Against his brother.’

 

Matthew 9:35-38

⁵ Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. ³⁶ But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. ³⁷ Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. ³⁸ Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

Ethical Decision-Making Models and Processes

Ethical decision-making models offer a systematic method for addressing ethical dilemmas in both personal and professional contexts. By providing structure, these models help ensure that decisions are consistent with core values and reduce the risk of harm to stakeholders.

Importance of Ethical Standards

2 Timothy 3:16-17

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work”.

Matthew 7:12 

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Ethical standards play a vital role in guiding behaviour and decision-making within organisations. They serve as a foundation for responsible actions, ensuring that choices are in line with the company's mission, vision, and principles.

These standards are informed by several established approaches:

• Utilitarian Approach: Seeks to achieve the greatest good while minimising harm.
• Rights Approach: Focuses on upholding and respecting the rights and dignity of every individual.
• Fairness Approach: Ensures that everyone is treated equally, regardless of their status or influence.
• Common Good Approach: Prioritises the well-being of the community and relationships within it.
• Virtue Approach: Base decisions on universal virtues such as honesty, courage, and compassion.

Ethical Decision-Making Models

Several models can assist individuals and organisations in navigating ethical choices:

· Ethical Decision-Making Model Approach: This model involves identifying ethical issues, evaluating alternatives, and making decisions that align with ethical standards.

· PLUS, Ethical Decision-Making Model: Incorporates additional filters—Policies, Legal, Universal, and Self—to ensure that decisions meet ethical criteria from multiple perspectives.

· Character-Based Decision-Making Model: Emphasises the character and virtues of the decision-maker, ensuring that choices reflect personal integrity and ethical principles.

By applying these models and upholding ethical standards, individuals, and organisations can approach ethical dilemmas with confidence, ensuring that their decisions are both responsible and aligned with their values.

Supporting Intentional Stewardship through Ethical Decision-Making Models

Intentional stewardship refers to the responsible and ethical management of resources, ensuring that all decisions are consistent with core values and contribute positively to the greater good. Ethical decision-making models provide the necessary structure to support this objective.

In a world driven by consumption and accumulation, the Bible offers a radically different approach to resource management—one rooted in stewardship, wisdom, and generosity. From Genesis to the early church, Scripture paints a clear picture: everything we have is entrusted to us by God, and we are called to manage it faithfully.

Creation and the Call to Stewardship

The foundation of biblical resource management begins in Genesis. After declaring creation “very good” (Genesis 1:31), God gives humanity a divine mandate:

Genesis 1:28

“Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air…”

This isn’t a license for exploitation—it’s a call to stewardship. We are caretakers of God’s creation, responsible for its flourishing and sustainability.

Principles for Faithful Management

Scripture offers timeless principles that guide believers in managing resources wisely:

• Ownership and Stewardship
  “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it…” Psalm 24:1
  We don’t own our resources—we manage them on God’s behalf. This truth fosters accountability and humility.
• Wisdom and Planning
  “The plans of the diligent lead to abundance…” Proverbs 21:5
  Thoughtful planning and foresight are marks of godly stewardship.
• Generosity and Sharing
  “God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
  Giving isn’t just a financial act—it’s a spiritual discipline that reflects trust in God’s provision.
• Contentment and Guarding Against Greed
  “Keep your lives free from the love of money…” Hebrews 13:5
  True wealth lies in contentment, not accumulation.

Biblical Examples of Resource Management

• Joseph in Egypt
  Through strategic planning, Joseph saved Egypt from famine (Genesis 41). His story is a masterclass in crisis management and long-term vision.
• The Parable of the Talents
  Jesus illustrates the importance of using and multiplying what we’ve been given (Matthew 25:14–30). Faithful stewards are proactive, not passive.
• The Early Church
  In Acts 2:44–45, believers shared everything in common, ensuring no one was in need. This radical generosity built a thriving, compassionate community.

Environmental Stewardship

God’s concern for creation extends to the land itself.

“The land must not be sold permanently, because it is Mine…” (Leviticus 25:23–24)

We are called to care for the earth, using its resources responsibly and sustainably.

Living It Out Today

Biblical resource management isn’t just ancient wisdom—it’s a call to action. Whether it’s how we spend our time, use our talents, handle our finances, or care for the environment, stewardship is a lifestyle that honours God and blesses others.

Ethical Standards and Intentional Stewardship

Core ethical standards—including the Utilitarian, Rights, Fairness, Common Good, and Virtue Approaches—guide behaviour and decision-making within organisations. By adhering to these standards, individuals make choices that reflect intentional stewardship, prioritising the needs of stakeholders and the broader community while maintaining alignment with organisational mission and values.

Ethical Decision-Making Model Approach

This approach involves a step-by-step process: identifying ethical issues, evaluating feasible alternatives, and making informed decisions that align with established ethical standards. By following this process, individuals ensure that their decisions are both intentional and responsible, considering the impact on resources and all stakeholders involved. This supports intentional stewardship by fostering thoughtful and ethical decision-making.

PLUS, Ethical Decision-Making Model

The PLUS model introduces four key filters: Policies, Legal, Universal, and Self. These filters require decision-makers to evaluate their choices through various lenses, ensuring alignment with ethical principles and organisational values. By applying these filters, individuals can make intentional choices that demonstrate responsible stewardship of resources and uphold ethical standards.

Character-Based Decision-Making Model

This model centres on the character and virtues of the decision-maker. By focusing on personal integrity and ethical principles, it encourages decisions that are consistent with individual and organisational values. This approach promotes a culture of integrity and responsibility, further supporting the intentional and ethical management of resources.

By integrating these ethical decision-making models into their processes, both individuals, and organisations can ensure that their actions are guided by intentional stewardship. These frameworks provide a reliable basis for making responsible and ethical decisions, prioritising the well-being of stakeholders and the wider community.

Ethical Decision-Making Model Approach

Practical Application:

• Identifying Ethical Issues: In a business setting, this could involve recognising conflicts of interest, potential harm to stakeholders, or environmental impacts of business operations.
• Evaluating Alternatives: Consider different courses of action and their potential consequences. For example, when launching a new product, evaluate the ethical implications of sourcing materials, labour practices, and marketing strategies.
• Making Decisions: Choose the option that aligns with ethical standards and company values. For instance, a company might decide to use sustainable materials even if it increases production costs to uphold its commitment to environmental responsibility.

PLUS, Ethical Decision-Making Model

Practical Application:

• Policies: Ensure that decisions comply with company policies and industry regulations. For example, when handling customer data, follow privacy policies and data protection laws.
• Legal: Verify that decisions are legal and do not violate any laws. This could involve consulting with legal experts when entering new markets or signing contracts.
• Universal: Consider whether the decision aligns with universal ethical principles, such as fairness and respect. For instance, ensure that hiring practices are non-discriminatory and promote diversity.
• Self: Reflect on whether the decision aligns with personal values and the company's mission. For example, a leader might choose to prioritise employee well-being over short-term profits, reflecting their commitment to a positive workplace culture.

Character-Based Decision-Making Model

Practical Application:

• Personal Integrity: Encourage employees to make decisions that reflect their personal integrity and ethical principles. For example, a salesperson might choose to be honest about product limitations rather than making exaggerated claims to close a deal.
• Virtues: Promote virtues such as honesty, courage, and compassion in the workplace. For instance, a manager might demonstrate courage by addressing unethical behaviour, even if it involves confronting a senior colleague.
• Role Modelling: Leaders can set an example by consistently making ethical decisions and demonstrating integrity. This can create a culture of trust and accountability within the organisation.

By applying these ethical decision-making models in the marketplace, individuals and organisations can ensure that their actions reflect intentional stewardship. These models provide a framework for making responsible and ethical decisions, prioritising the well-being of stakeholders and the community.

In closing:

No matter where you work or minister, see it as your dragnet. An opportunity to live out Matthew 28. This is the place where you will make fishers of men. When you put God first and apply His principles, you become more intentional in your actions and more profitable in your business.

The Kingdom should always be your focus, so exercise discernment in time, resources and focus. Apply this also in your ministry. Not every opportunity will produce the same result.

Continually ask yourself: Am I spending my best effort on the strongest opportunity, or am I draining my energy on the weak?

Be excellent in stewardship. It attracts favour and maintains high standards across every platform.

Identify your values and live accordingly. Your focus is always on leading people to Christ. Therefore, you must be an exact representation of Christ to all men. Excell in integrity, in service, in leadership, and compassion, while having ethical decision-making models in place.

And lastly, be accountable to someone who you trust to give you honest feedback. The father-son wineskin is more than a mentor. It is relational and biblical.