Biblical Stewardship: Embracing God’s Financial Wisdom
Are you wondering how to align your finances with God’s will? God’s Word offers timeless wisdom about handling money, and one key principle is *stewardship*. Financial stewardship means managing your resources in a way that honors God, understanding that everything you have ultimately belongs to Him.
In this post, we’ll dive into how to embrace biblical stewardship and apply it to your everyday life, guided by Proverbs 3:9-10.
I would say I am a person that trusts God in everything for the most part, YET the area I find hardest to commit and trust is the area of finances and money. That is why I am committed to creating a post atleast every two Fridays about it.
Scripture: Proverbs 3:9-10
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine”
What is Biblical Stewardship?
Biblical stewardship is about more than just managing your finances; it’s about recognizing that all your resources—time, money, talents—are gifts from God. Proverbs 3:9 teaches us to honor God with our wealth and to give the firstfruits back to Him. This doesn’t mean just tithing—it’s about managing everything you have to reflect God’s heart.
When I first started tithing I found it hard to be more generous with what I gave, and I realised it was a heart condition. Once I was committed to giving 10% of what I earn to the Church I attend and at times different causes, it became second nature.
Steps to Align Your Finances with God’s Plan
- Put God First in Your Finances The verse speaks of offering your firstfruits to God. This means prioritizing God in your budget. Tithing is an act of faith and trust in God’s provision. Start by setting aside a portion of your income for giving—whether that’s to your church or supporting a cause that advances God’s kingdom.
Set up automatic donations or budget for charitable giving at the start of each month.
- Create a Budget that Honors God Stewardship requires intentional planning. Creating a budget not only helps you track your spending but ensures you’re not wasting the resources God has entrusted to you.
Make a simple budget that includes income, savings, and expenses, with a focus on avoiding unnecessary debt and living within your means.
- Save with a Purpose Saving money is a wise act of stewardship, but the goal isn’t hoarding wealth. Proverbs 21:20 reminds us that “the wise store up choice food and olive oil.” Saving should be done with a purpose, like preparing for future needs or being in a position to give generously when the opportunity arises.
Open a savings account for emergencies and long-term goals like retirement, but also consider setting aside a portion for unexpected giving opportunities. Even if 1% for now the key is to START TODAY. With time you will be able to increase the percentage.
- Avoid Debt and Live with Contentment Debt can enslave us, making it difficult to live freely for God. Romans 13:8 encourages us to “let no debt remain outstanding.” Living with contentment allows us to focus on God’s provision rather than always striving for more. Stop Living beyond your means when its not necessary! It doesn’t matter what other people think, humble yourself until you can actually afford what you are wanting unless it is an absolute necessity.
Create a plan to pay off debt as quickly as possible and practice gratitude daily for what you already have.
Final Thoughts:
When we honor God with our finances by practicing biblical stewardship, we invite His blessings into our lives. Proverbs 3:10 promises that as we give God our first and best, our “barns will be filled to overflowing.” Trust in God’s plan for your finances, knowing that He will meet all your needs as you live in faithful obedience