Stewardship is a word not often used in everyday conversations or thought. When one thinks of stewardship, words like cultivation, protection, or the medieval title of Steward may come to mind. But stewardship is much richer. It is one of the oldest principles in all of history, and when it comes to the world of Trust, it is the anthem of our purpose. So why is the principle of stewardship so engrained into the heart of Trust administration and what does it mean?
As mentioned, stewardship is one of the oldest concepts in all of history. In the center of the creation story of Gensis 1-2 God’s heart behind the creation of mankind is to steward His creation The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work and keep it (Genesis 2:15). The ideas of working, keeping, and growing are perfect images of the practice of stewardship. I am no gardener, but I do know gardens take plenty of work to keep and grow. It takes a careful eye and personal touch. Each plant requires the correct levels of sustenance, water, and pruning. If given too much or too little of any of their requirements, they will drown, wilt, or disease, but if done correctly, each plant produces their fruit or flower to be enjoyed and shared by many.
The specific image of a garden from Gensis paints an inspiring metaphor of the heart of Trust administration. Each relationship is a unique plant that has its own goals, strategies, and purposes. Each wants to be able to produce fruit for the next generations to share and enjoy, but they must be carefully cultivated in order for these things to come to fruition. Some plants can be extremely resilient and easy to steward, while others are complicated and difficult to maintain requiring precise conditions for their bloom. In short, stewardship takes planning, vigilance, intentionality, and a unique sense of purpose.
Therefore, stewardship is a weighty charge to give one person. It is evident that not just anyone can display the characteristics of stewardship at all times. Even God recognized the fact that Adam should not be alone in his endeavors in the garden. Just a couple verses later in Gensis we find God creating Eve to be Adam’s companion in his ordained mission, Then the Lord God said, ‘it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him’ (Genesis 2:18). It was by design that stewardship consisted of a team. A team that would hold each other accountable, encourage one another when they are tired or weak, and allow for specialization of their natural talents.
So how does any of this relate to a corporate trustee and one’s own wealth that they have spent their lifetime accumulating? It is because one’s hard-earned rewards are the fruit and corporate trustees understand how to cultivate. We get the purpose. Stewardship is meant for a team, and when one’s specialization is in stewarding trust resources, that allows for a unique peace of mind for families. You know that the fruit of your lifetime accomplishments is being carefully, vigilantly, and intentionally being cared for with the upmost sense of purpose. We listen so that we can provide the nutrients, water, and pruning of the right amounts to allow your accomplishments to flourish according to your specific goals. We create value because stewardship is a personal value and example set for us since the very beginning of history.