Christians are to be different and apart from the world, and a good way to start is by practicing stewardship. In a culture that glorifies materialism, true stewardship should stand out. Being a faithful manager of God’s resources requires a working knowledge of stewardship and the principles behind it. Rob West talks about that first.
The first principle we must understand about stewardship is ownership. God owns everything.
Scripture is very clear about this. Psalm 24:1 and 2 reads, “The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.”
In Deuteronomy 10:14, “Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it.”
In Psalm 50:10, “For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.”
If God owns everything, that means we own nothing. We possess things, but we don't own them.
Deuteronomy 8:17-18 makes this clear. It reads, “Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”
The next principle is responsibility. As stewards, we have no rights over what we temporarily possess by the Lord’s provision. But we do have responsibility to use those resources wisely for His purposes.
This is defined in 1 Timothy 6:17, which says, “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.”
How do we enjoy God’s provision without clinging to it, and claiming it for our own?
Romans 8:26 reads, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
The last principle is reward. God promises even more blessings when we are faithful servants.
Colossians 3 reads, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
And Jesus Himself tells us in Matthew 25, the Parable of the Talents, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.”
Next, Rob answers these questions at 800-525-7000 or via email at Questions@MoneyWiseLive.org: 
<ul><li>Is there any way to exclude investing in companies you don't support in your faith-based Roth account? (Rob suggested checking out options at <a href="https://www.eventideinvestments.com/why-eventide/">InvestEventide.com</a>, <a href="https://www.inspireinvesting.com/">InspireInvesting.com</a> and <a href="https://www.praxismutualfunds.com/">PraxisMutualFunds.com</a>, and using <a href="https://inspireinsight.com/#/dashboard">inspireinsight.com</a> to research investments)</li><li>Should you refinance your mortgage if you have a streamline FHA loan at 5.12% with 27 years remaining and the new offer is for 3.625% without extending the term?</li><li>What are the benefits and pitfalls of moving your 401k to an IRA, and what are the costs and taxes involved?</li><li>If your Mom passed away last year, can any of her medical and credit card debt be forgiven?</li><li>What should you do with an $8000 tax refund if you have an emergency fund and no credit card debt but no retirement savings? (Rob suggested he research opening a Roth at <a href="https://www.betterment.com/">Betterment.com</a> or <a href="https://intelligent.schwab.com/">Schwab Intelligent Portfolios</a>)</li><li>What income should you tithe on?</li><li>If you are going through bankruptcy can and should you refinance your home?</li><li>Is it a good idea to invest in a rental condo with your daughter if you have been pre-approved for a loan at 4% but are getting close to retirement?</li><li>What tax would you pay if you sell raw land you have owned for 25 years?</li></ul>Be sure to check out the rest of MoneyWise.org to connect with a MoneyWise Coach or access our books and our many free helpful resources. You can also find us on Facebook (MoneyWise Media) and join the conversation. Thanks for your prayerful and financial support that helps keep MoneyWise on the air. And if you'd like to help, just click the Donate tab at the top of the page.

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Christians are to be different and apart from the world. A good way to start is by practicing stewardship. Being a faithful manager of God’s resources requires a working knowledge of stewardship and the principles behind it.

The Meaning of Stewardship

FaithFi | Dec 23, 2021

Show Notes

Where Faith Meets Finance

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