Christians are called to be generous. We’re also called to be faithful stewards. So what happens when those two virtues intersect? We’ll talk about generous stewardship on this Faith and Finance.
Christians are called to be generous. We’re also called to be faithful stewards. So what happens when those two virtues intersect? We’ll talk about generous stewardship on this Faith and Finance.
When we combine generosity and stewardship, something very special happens.
Think of the women who supported Jesus' ministry. We read about them in Luke 8:1-3, “Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.”
Now, we can only assume that it took a great deal of stewardship and generosity for those women to provide at least partial support for themselves and 13 men as they traveled around Israel. They probably had to watch every shekel, but look at what they were part of— the earthly ministry of Jesus.
Another example might be the widow’s mite that we find in Mark 12:41-44: “Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury.
Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
Of course, that passage is most often associated with sacrificial giving, but we can also see the stewardship that was required for the widow’s generosity. She no doubt scrimped and saved even to have those two copper coins. And consider what came from her one small action. Her story has served as an inspiration for millions of Christians over two thousand years.
But we want to make clear that being poor doesn’t make one more spiritual, and being wealthy doesn’t make one less spiritual.
In Luke 18:25 where Jesus says, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God,” He simply means that anyone who thinks their earthly wealth or works can get them into heaven is sadly mistaken.
There have been many wealthy individuals who practiced great stewardship and generosity toward God’s Kingdom.
The more you practice wise stewardship of what God entrusts to you, the more you can give back to His kingdom. And the result will always be blessings far beyond any amount of money. “Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap.”
On this program, Rob also answers listener questions:
Does the Bible give us specific direction in terms of how we should allocate the inheritance we leave behind for future generations?
Does it make sense to give property to adult children now or simply leave it behind in a will?
Would a balance transfer make sense to help pay down debt, and would that affect your credit score?
How do you determine whether it’s wise to purchase a particular piece of property?
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Also, visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.
