Often we connect being a good steward as tithing at church or to charity, but it's so much more than that. “Stewardship” refers to the management of affairs, property, or supplies with proper regard to rights of others.

Think about it like this: life is short and each day we have is a gift. “Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom” (Psalm 90:12 NLT). Thinking of our time this way inspires us to use the little time we have wisely. When we use our time wisely, we can be confident our days will be meaningful.

There is nothing wrong with playing or relaxing or having fun when you know your actions are pleasing to God. However, there is something to be said for wasting time or over committing our free time. We know when there are better ways to use the hours in a day and when we aren't being good stewards of our time, our hearts always seem to let us know.

It's easy to ask God for what we want while putting little time into reflecting on what He has already given us, or considering what we can give back to Him. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

Whether it's time, money, food, or other resources, stewardship is not only about accepting personal responsibility for taking care of something entrusted to you, but having a cheerful attitude about it. “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart,” (1 Samuel 16:7).

This is an excerpt from the LifeTrac article Time Wise, which appeared in the April 2011 edition of Insights magaizine. Follow this link to read the entire article.