Implementing Meaningful Stewardship
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. (1 Peter 4:10)
Stewardship of our finances is a spiritual discipline. Giving things away can be one of the most challenging acts one can do. Giving even a portion of our resources away can feel threatening. “What if I need it later?” It is a fair question. When I was in High School Sunday School class, we had a well-meaning couple teaching the class. They told us they did not believe in saving money or buying insurance because faith required trust, and they chose to trust God with their future rather than material things. They were generous givers who lived their beliefs, but that did not mean they fulfilled God’s will. Faithful stewardship is sacrificially giving but not to the point of becoming a burden on others.
Yet, God is not satisfied with our leftovers. Everything we have in this world is a gift from God. We owe God more than crumbs. The key is to carve out a lifestyle based on your belief system. Almost no one can wake up one day and decide to give a meaningful portion of their income back to God. Creating stewardship commitment to spiritual value takes significant time for planning and implementation.
Stewardship spirituality is more than making annual increases in one’s pledge. It is the struggle to look deep inside oneself and determine how much you need financially to live a fulfilling life. The evaluation process is not as simple as it sounds. Be honest about your mortgage, children’s college money, retirement savings, etc., and the extras that give your life meaning. Then, ask, how can I lower my standard of living while remaining fulfilled? Seriously consider what in your life you are willing to cut. As you make your decisions, think about how giving will make you feel and the nurturing of your relationship with God.
Today, pray your motivation is not guilt but a call to continue to move in the direction of God’s light. Stewardship is another aspect of your relationship with God. If you are married and have extended family, you should not attempt this stewardship journey alone. Making stewardship a spiritual priority should be done prayerfully and with those you love. Beginning the process will nurture your relationship with God, which is worthy of your time and trust in our supportive God.