How do we view our money when its not really ours?
In Biblical times, stewardship was understood as the responsibility of managing another’s possessions. Think of Joseph caring for Potiphar’s house, or the parable where servants were entrusted with the talents (money) before the master embarked on a journey. Stewardship is the simple principle that we do not own what we have; rather, it has been entrusted to us for our care.
I’ve often reflected on “my life, my house, my money.” Yet, when we view the world through a Biblical lens, we’re encouraged to take a second look. Just as the master entrusted the servant in Matthew 25 with the talents, our Master entrusts us with our lives and possessions.
Biblical stewardship is rooted in the understanding that God is the ultimate owner of everything. Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” This truth shifts our perspective from owner to caretaker. We are stewards, entrusted with resources to manage wisely and faithfully. It is His life, His house, His money.
Living Out Stewardship Today
Every day we are faced with questions. How much should I save? Should I give over here? Can I go on that vacation? These questions are rarely answered with a straightforward dollar figure. Rather, we see that it is all God’s, and our purpose is to serve Him. It doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy life. Quite the opposite! 1 Timothy 6:17 teaches to not to trust in money, which is so unreliable, but instead to trust in God rather who richly give for our enjoyment.
Stewarding finances means making decisions that honor God and reflect His values. This can include a budget that prioritizes needs over wants, saving for future needs, and cheerfully giving to support causes that lift people up. By being intentional with our spending, investing wisely, and avoiding unnecessary debt, we can ensure that our financial resources are used in ways that serve God's purposes.
While we may not have a perfect answer to every question, we can rest assured that God has put faith and trust in us to carry out His work diligently. We have the opportunity to put our faith and our trust in Him.
Take a moment to reflect on your current practices. Do they match the principles of stewardship? Visualize areas in your life that can better reflect God’s values. We won’t always get it right, but we can be thankful for the chance to serve the Lord in all areas of our lives, including our finances. Let’s seek to be good stewards of what He has entrusted to us.
Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.