What does the Bible say about Money?
Lesson 3 (The Balance, Stewardship)
In the previous lesson we look at the dangers that come with not having our heart right regarding money, possession, or treasures. In this lesson we will try and find some balance for us regarding the first two lesson in this series as well hopefully show a balanced approach for us when it comes to the subject of handling money, wealth, possession or any other thing God allows us to have.
To save or not to save?
If we look to Proverbs 21:20 we see that a wise man will have some saving in his household but a foolish man spends away. Now from this we seem to have a clear verse for saving and building wealth.
If we look a Matthew 6:19-20 we see that our treasure should not be of this world but stored up in heaven. Therefore many claim we should not at all strive for treasures in this life.
So which is the way to go? We have seen from the first two lesson that the real problem is our heart so what can we do to try and find balance between being wise and having some money or treasures in this life and not letting them take over our heart and possibly ruin us.
I believe the answer is found in Stewardship. We must think of ourselves as stewards of whatever blessing God has given us. The principles of stewardship will apply to many different aspects of life but they can be most helpful when applied to money matters. Below we will list 3 simple principles of stewardship and if we view those from the view point of money matters then we can find balance and help regarding the subject of money. But before we look at these we will give a simple definition for a steward.
Steward – Someone who is put in charge of something that does not belong to him.
Principles of Stewardship:
1) Everything comes from God (James 1:17)
- Once we realize that everything comes from God it takes us out of the equation. If you have money or the ability to make money both of these come from God.
- This realization is a must for stewards, if everything I have comes from God then that would mean my money or riches technically belong to God.
- I am just a steward whom God has given charge of these things.
2) The requirement of Stewardship is faithfulness (1 Corinthians 4:2)
- The only things God requires in stewardship is faithfulness.
- This brings us to an interesting question are you being a faithful steward of the money, talent, time, etc. that God has given you?
- If we will look at finances from this view point, it can truly change the way we save, spend, and give unto the Lord. This not only brings us balance but could also save marriages, and give peace of mind to many married people who struggle with money and budgets every day.
3) Stewards will give and account (Luke 16:1-8)
- In this passage we see and steward who has to give an account to his master.
- When we stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ we will give and account for the things that God allowed us to be entrusted with as a steward. The question is what will he say regarding how you handled the money, time, talents, etc. that he gave.
Looking at these principles we should begin to see how being a faithful steward could solve a lot of our problems and give us guidance in the subject of money and treasure in this life.