Our culture says that money and wealth are the means of personal fulfillment and the source of our security. But the Bible teaches that all our resources — including our financial ones — are gifts from God to be managed faithfully on his behalf. Scripture calls us to use them to provide for ourselves and our families, give generously, cultivate contentment and demonstrate wisdom through all our financial choices. These principles provide a foundation for financial stewardship that honors our Lord and reflects his priorities.
Financial stewardship begins with ensuring that your family’s basic needs — such as food, shelter and health — are met. Life’s spiritual and physical aspects are intertwined as one will impact the other.
But if anyone does not provide for his own family, especially for his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8 (CSB)
Providing for one’s family is a critical component of discipleship. Paul likens neglecting one’s family as being “worse than an unbeliever,” implying that even those outside the faith recognize the importance of caring for their own. Using your financial resources to care for your family is a vital expression of your faith.
Even if you are single, you must still care for yourself through good financial stewardship. Remember, self-care is not selfishness. It’s ensuring you can serve the Lord well for a long time.
Giving away a portion of what the Lord has given us is vital to stewardship. It’s a response of loving obedience to him and constitutes an essential part of our worship.
Giving generously reflects God’s character.
Each person should do as he has decided in his heart — not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (CSB)
Giving is an additional means for participating in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Through our tithes and offerings, we support our churches, missionaries and other ministry organizations on the frontlines in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.
We also give to help those in need. In 1 Timothy 6:18 (CSB), Paul instructs Timothy to urge those blessed financially “to be generous and willing to share.” God blesses his people so that they can be a blessing to others.
Finally, giving is crucial to honoring the Lord with our financial resources.
Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the first produce of your entire harvest; then your barns will be completely filled, and your vats will overflow with new wine. Proverbs 3:9-10 (CSB)
Through our giving, we proclaim that we are not looking to our own means of security and provision but trusting in his faithfulness.
Our world says that more is better. More money and stuff equals more success and achievement. But Scripture offers another picture of success.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 1 Timothy 6:6-9 (CSB)
Godliness and contentment are two measures of a successful walk with Christ. Contentment is rooted in knowing God’s good character and trusting in his eternal faithfulness rather than what we can accumulate.
We can cultivate contentment by developing the habit of thankfulness and avoiding comparison.
For we don’t dare classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. But in measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves to themselves, they lack understanding. 2 Corinthians 10:12 (CSB)
There will always be someone with more money, a larger house or even a bigger church or ministry. Comparison makes us question if Jesus is truly enough and robs us of our joy in him. Choose contentment by making the most of what God has given you and enjoying it with thankfulness.
Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of a wise person, but a fool consumes them. Proverbs 21:20 (CSB)
This proverb contrasts the behavior of a wise person handling their financial resources with that of a fool. A wise person guards and uses his or her wealth carefully, while a foolish person devours it immediately.
God intended his gifts of money and wealth to be used and not hoarded for their own sake. Demonstrating wisdom with our finances means careful planning, balancing current and future needs, and practicing moderation with our spending.
Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22 (CSB)
We can make wise decisions when we demonstrate a willingness to listen to and learn from those with more knowledge and experience. Consulting financial experts can offer you a broader perspective and help you avoid making costly mistakes.
Financial stewardship is more than managing money. It reflects our faith in God and our commitment to his Kingdom.
Through good stewardship, we can be free of the anxieties accompanying wealth and materialism and do more with what God gives us. We can experience the peace and joy of honoring God in every aspect of our lives, including our finances.
Faithful stewardship of our finances here on earth is a way of “storing up treasure…as a good foundation for the coming age.” 1 Timothy 6:19 (CSB)
Need some practical ways to help put good stewardship principles into practice? From the beginning stages of planning your saving and investment strategies to enjoying life in retirement, GuideStone® can help guide you every step of your journey.
For more information, contact us at Info@GuideStone.org or 1-888-98-GUIDE (1-888-984-8433), Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT.
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