Monday Memo 1233: God Is Watching
“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” — 1 Corinthians 4:2
Stewardship is one of the most important traits where your purpose is concerned, but it's not a word we hear very often. Before God entrusts you with more, He watches how you handle what you already have—and God is watching. Promotion isn't based on desire or ambition, although they play a role, but rather on faithfulness. Purpose begins with trust, and trust is demonstrated through stewardship. In other words, can God trust you with more opportunities, more lives, more resources?
In Scripture, stewardship is never about ownership—it’s about partnership. Everything you have comes from God: your time, gifts, influence, and opportunities. You don’t possess them; you manage them. God places resources in your hands so you can multiply their impact, not control them for your own benefit. When you see yourself as a steward instead of an owner, your focus shifts from self-advancement to Kingdom purpose.
Jesus made this clear in the parable of the talents. The master gave three servants different amounts and expected each one to do something with what was entrusted to them. Two invested and produced increase; one hid what he had out of fear. The first two were praised—not for how much they received, but for what they did with it. The third was corrected, not for failing, but for doing nothing. God doesn't reward potential; He rewards stewardship and those who are faithful to develop their potential.
I learned this lesson 25 years ago when I started PurposeQuest. I wanted a larger platform and greater reach, but instead I was writing short encouragements for a small audience. At times, I wondered if anyone was reading them. Still, I sensed the Lord saying, Be faithful where you are. So I kept writing this Monday Memo. What began as a small act of obedience eventually became the foundation for a global purpose ministry—and the material for 19 books and counting. Stewardship turned the seeds of a few paragraphs every week into a harvest. I was faithful and I never gave up. When social media came along—a bigger opportunity—I was ready!
Stewardship applies to more than money or ministry. It shows up in how you manage relationships, opportunities, health, and influence. Some people ask God to open new doors while neglecting the ones already open. Some promise God grandiose returns on his investment but can't seem to remember to return emails or follow through on simple promises. Every season is an assignment, and every assignment is a test. How you handle this one often determines what comes next. And remember—God is watching.
Daniel understood this principle. Even in captivity, he served with excellence and integrity. Scripture says he distinguished himself by his exceptional qualities (see Daniel 6:4). Daniel didn’t demand promotion—he earned trust. God and the king entrusted him with more because he proved faithful with less.
Stewardship also produces peace in your mind and heart. When you understand that everything belongs to God, you stop striving to control outcomes. You serve faithfully and leave the results in His hands. At times, stewardship will feel unnoticed, even invisible, but God sees every act of faithfulness. Scripture promises that a harvest will come if you do not give up.
So don’t despise what seems small or insignificant; it's the means to promotion and increase. Stewardship is the bridge between where you are and where God is taking you. Take care of what is in your hands today, and God will take care of what is ahead. The strength of your purpose is revealed through the strength of your stewardship.
Reflection Questions
- What has God currently entrusted to you that requires faithful stewardship?
- Where might you be waiting for more instead of honoring what you already have?
- How could greater faithfulness today prepare you for tomorrow’s opportunity?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for trusting me with the gifts, opportunities, and influence You’ve placed in my hands. Teach me to steward them faithfully, without comparison or fear. Help me honor You in small things, trusting You with the results. Amen.
Application
This week, identify one area of your life—time, relationships, work, or creativity—that needs more faithful attention. Take one intentional step to steward it well, trusting God to bring the increase in His timing.