Stewardship versus Ownership – A Lesson from Corporate Life and the Words of Jesus
Some years ago, while working as a Facility Security Officer at Procter & Gamble, I encountered a powerful mindset that continues to shape how I handle responsibilities today, whether in business, ministry, or relationships. It was the “Ownership Mentality” where every employee is encouraged to take personal responsibility for the company’s success. Though I was an employee, not a stakeholder or shareholder, we were trained to think and act like owners.
At first, it felt odd.
Why should I take ownership of something that technically wasn’t mine? Why should I go the extra mile when I could just do “my part” and move on? But the more I leaned into it, the more I understood the wisdom behind it.
Ownership is not just a legal title, it’s a mindset. It’s about being fully invested, taking initiative, and being accountable not just for your task, but for the outcome. As I reflect on this today, I realize this principle isn’t just a corporate best practice, it’s biblical.
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.”
Jesus (Matthew 7:12 NLT)
Jesus’ teaching challenges us to treat other people’s affairs with the same dignity, passion, and intentionality that we want for our own. That’s not just kindness. That’s stewardship elevated by empathy.
Too often, we confuse stewardship with servitude. We act like we’re just doing someone a favor. We handle opportunities or positions like placeholders until “our own” comes. We give the bare minimum instead of our best.
But real stewardship is managing what belongs to someone else as if it were yours. It’s not passive. It’s purposeful. And when done right, it builds trust, opens doors, and prepares us for more.
At P&G, thinking like an owner made me
- more alert,
- more responsible, and
- more fulfilled.
I saw problems and solved them, not because someone told me to, but because I cared.
Whether you’re managing someone’s business, leading in a church, working for a company, or even helping a friend with a project, remember this:
- Do it like it’s yours.
- Treat it the way you’d want others to treat yours.
- Be a faithful steward, not a distant servant.
In the Kingdom of God, how we manage what belongs to others is often the test for whether we’re ready for our own. Just ask the servant who was given the five talents in Jesus’ parable, faithful stewardship brought multiplication.
So today, I encourage you to reflect:
- Are you giving your best where you are, or waiting for your “real” opportunity?
- Are you handling someone else’s vision with the same care you’d expect for yours?
- Are you working with a servant’s attitude, or an owner’s mindset?
Own it, even when it’s not yours.
As we celebrate Easter, may the resurrection power of Christ renew your passion for excellence, purpose, and service. Just as Jesus gave His all for what wasn’t His fault, may we also give our best even when the assignment isn’t “ours.”
Happy Easter to you and your loved ones!
May this season bring hope, clarity, and a fresh commitment to stewardship in all areas of your life.
You were MADE FOR MORE
Iamhenrylong
