Defining: Stewardship

For this class, we were asked to define the word steward, or stewardship. As I was looking online (using Google as much search engine), I was surprised to see how many definitions that came up were related to nature, national resources or our environment. Sure I have heard the word used in that context, but more commonly I have heard the word used in relation to religion and ministry.

Looking online, I decided to return to Merriam Webster online (www.m-w.com) to see if I could find a definition that I felt comfortable with, based on my previous understanding of its usage.

I found it interesting that it included the natural resource part in its definition, but I guess it makes sense in both that way, as well as being Christian stewards. This is because as Christians, or as nature-lovers we have certain obligations (or opportunities depending on how one sees it) to protect, manage and knowledge over certain things. I am interested in hearing other people's definitions of the word because I am curious if other people have heard it in a religious setting like I have. :)

According to Merriam Webster, "stewardship" is defined as:

Definition of STEWARDSHIP

1

: the office, duties, and obligations of a steward

2

: the conducting, supervising, or managing of something;especially : the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care <stewardship of our natural resources>

(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stewardship)