Stewardship: Biblical Management of Time and Money
Introduction
In this guide, we will delve into the concept of stewardship as it is presented in the Bible, focusing on the management of time and money. This topic is particularly relevant because our relationship with God often intertwines with how we handle these resources.
Understanding Biblical Stewardship
The foundational truth for biblical stewardship is that everything belongs to God (Psalm 24:1). As managers, not owners, our perspective on spending, saving, giving, and worrying changes.
- Handle resources with care, not destruction or misuse, because they don’t truly belong to us.
- God entrusts us with resources, expecting faithfulness, not perfection.
Money: A Tool, Not a Master
One of the most misunderstood Bible verses about money is 1 Timothy 6:10. The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, but it doesn’t say that we can’t serve God and mammon (money).
Financial Principles in the Bible
The Bible emphasizes our attitude towards finances, along with principles for managing them in a way that glorifies God. Money competes for our heart, and learning to steward it properly is crucial due to this verse: 1 Corinthians 4:2.
A Few Key Attitudes
- Be faithful with what you have been given, not necessarily successful.
- Recognize that God is looking at our attitude and behavior towards finances, not just the amount we possess.
Conclusion
By understanding and practicing biblical stewardship, we can develop a deeper relationship with God, manage our resources wisely, and grow spiritually. Remember, the key to spiritual growth may lie in how we handle our finances.
Lesson Summary
- God owns everything; we are stewards.
- Money is a tool, not a master. Our attitude towards it reveals our heart’s priorities.
- Be faithful with what you have been given to grow spiritually.
