portrait of biblical stewardship - The Village Church

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P ORTRAIT

OF

B IBL IC AL S TE WARDSHIP

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B

iblical stewardship is centered in a reverence and love for God. People who seek to be

godly stewards recognize that God is owner and giver of all blessings. While they are diligent to work hard and effectively in their lives, they acknowledge that all blessings are gifts from the Lord. Therefore all they seek to do with their resources is motivated by a desire to honor God for His generosity and kindness.

B

iblical stewardship is exemplified by self-control. Godly stewards seek to develop honest

spending habits that will keep them from accruing excessive debt. They seek to operate from a budget, and work diligently to refrain from purchases that would cause them to exceed their budget. They resist a mindset of entitlement, and are able to discern between what they “need” and what they want. They seek to find security in God instead of finding emotional or psychological security in acquiring material possessions. Biblical stewards look to God during stressful times rather than participate in spending sprees in order to relieve tension. Biblical stewards do not measure themselves by what they may or may not have or own. Neither do they sinfully compare themselves to others. They acknowledge that doing so is engaging in empty, covetous, and idolatrous living. Biblical stewards also understand the temporal nature of material possessions, and that living for them is “chasing after the wind”.

B

iblical stewardship requires contentment in God. People seeking to become Godly

stewards find contentment whether they have an abundance of wealth or are living in poverty. They seek peace in God instead of in acquiring “things”. They understand that without godly contentment even acquiring great wealth will not be satisfying. They display a heart of thanksgiving before God no matter their financial situation.

B

iblical stewards are always mindful of the importance of loving God and others with their

resources. They resist greedy tendencies, and exemplify their love for others not only in word but also in deed. They allocate within their budget moneys that will be used to facilitate the work of God’s kingdom whether it be giving to the local church, various ministries, or particular individuals. While they wisely save for the future, they do not hoard their money for fear of a “rainy day”. Biblical stewards find joy in giving to those in need, and recognize that they are storing up treasures in heaven through their love and generosity. * Ch e ck it o ut in Scripture! Mark 7:23, Proverbs 16:8, Matthew 10:20, Colossians 3:5, Genesis 2:2-6, I Timothy 6:17-19, James 3:14-16, I Corinthians 10:24, Philippians 4:11-13 © 200 6, Copyr igh t, R LM, JAL Associat ion of Bi blica l Counse lors May not b e copi ed o r r epro duce d! For use by cu rr ent mem be rs onl y!