What if everything you own isn’t really yours? It’s a biblical truth that changes everything once you grasp it. The belief that God owns it all has profound implications for how we manage our resources—and our lives. Let’s explore what it means to be a faithful steward of everything God has entrusted to us.
The Foundation of Biblical Money Management
The cornerstone of biblical money management is the belief that God owns everything. Psalm 24:1 states this clearly:
“The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.”
Paul builds on this truth in 1 Corinthians 4:7, reminding us that all we have is a gift from God:
“What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?”
Acknowledging this truth is one thing; living it out is another. It requires a shift in how we view money and possessions. God isn’t a consultant or silent partner in our financial decisions—He’s the owner. As His stewards, we’re entrusted to manage His resources for His purposes.
What Does It Mean to Be a Steward?
The Koine Greek word for steward, oikonomos, means “household manager.” Like a household manager oversees someone else’s property, we manage God’s resources. We own nothing but are responsible for everything under our care, including our finances, time, talents, and relationships.
Even our ability to earn a living is a gift to be managed wisely. Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us:
"You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the power to get wealth."
Stewardship Responsibilities
As stewards, we manage God’s resources according to His will, not our own. This means making decisions that align with His purposes. Let’s break down our responsibilities as stewards.
1. Accountability to God
We are accountable to God for how we manage His resources. Romans 14:12 says:
“So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.”
This includes using our resources to advance God’s Kingdom, care for others, and reflect His character. Similarly, 2 Corinthians 5:10 reminds us:
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil."
2. Living with an Eternal Perspective
Instead of focusing on temporal wealth, stewards invest in eternal treasures. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-21:
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven."
3. Faithfulness in Small Things
Faithful stewards handle even the smallest responsibilities with care. Jesus emphasizes this in Luke 16:10:
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much.”
4. Generosity and Open Hands
When we acknowledge God as the owner of all we have, it becomes easier to hold our possessions loosely. Faithful stewards give generously, reflecting God’s generosity and trusting Him to provide for their needs.
5. Humility in Success
Good stewards recognize that all they have comes from God. Jesus warns against pride in the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21), where a man takes credit for his wealth without acknowledging God’s provision. Faithful stewards give God the credit for their success.
Stewardship Transforms Our Lives
Living as faithful stewards transforms how we approach our finances—and our lives. It brings greater purpose, responsibility, and joy. Most importantly, it reflects our commitment to Christ and our trust in Him for all things.
Our ultimate goal is to hear Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:23).
By embracing the truth that everything belongs to God, we honor Him as the owner and find freedom in managing His resources for His glory. Let this perspective guide your financial journey and every decision you make.
FaithFi’s New Publication: Faithful Steward
Starting this month, FaithFi is launching a new quarterly publication, Faithful Steward. This resource invites you to join us on a journey of faithful stewardship, aligning your faith and finances to glorify God and bless others.
To start receiving Faithful Steward every quarter, become a FaithFi partner by giving $35 or more per month or $400 or more annually. Visit FaithFi.com/give to partner with us and receive this inspiring publication delivered right to your mailbox.
On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:
- Am I responsible financially for my 78-year-old aunt's condo? She needs major renovations, like a kitchen renovation, but she doesn't want to refinance to pay for it. I will be the beneficiary of the condo once she passes away through a Lady Bird Deed. Some family members are telling me I should pay for the renovations, but I'm unsure if I'm responsible.
- My father-in-law passed away about a month ago, and I'm helping my mother-in-law navigate everything. They had about $11,000 in credit card debt. The credit card companies said they could stop the interest, but she still has to pay the remaining balance. She's wondering if she should do that or try to consolidate the debt into one loan instead.
- I'm in terrible debt with credit card interest rates between 19-22%. I recently had to pay for my daughter's medical expenses, and the debt has multiplied. I tried a debt consolidation company, but they told me to stop paying my cards and go into default. That felt dishonest, so I stopped. I just want to do the right thing and get this debt under control. I need help.
- As my husband and I approach retirement, how much do we share about our financial situation with our almost 30-year-old children? I'm concerned that too much or too little information could impact their sense of responsibility and obligation. I'm trying to find the right balance and timing for communicating this to them.
Resources Mentioned:
- Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Publication
- Splitting Heirs: Giving Your Money and Things to Your Children Without Ruining Their Lives by Ron Blue with Jeremy White
- Christian Credit Counselors
- Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
- Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
- Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
- FaithFi App
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.
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