Yesterday,
we explored two key principles for achieving financial peace in the home.
First, we discussed the importance of seeing God as your limitless source,
always able to meet your needs. Second, we emphasised the need to handle
finances together, as unity fosters blessings, which in turn bring enduring
wealth and peace. Today, we will examine an additional principle.
Effective Money Management
Effective
resource management addresses issues of scarcity. To manage resources well,
it’s crucial that both of you adopt a stewardship mentality. As illustrated in Matthew
25:14, “... who called his own servants and entrusted his possessions to
them.”
This
scripture reminds us that God is the ultimate owner of all things, and we are
merely stewards. To be a faithful steward, it’s important to understand the
distinction between possession and ownership. For example, if I entrust you
with my car while I’m out of town, you have possession of it, but you do not
own it unless I transfer the ownership title to you. I can reclaim the car upon
my return, and while you can use it, it remains mine. Similarly, with earthly
goods, no one arrives in the world with anything or departs with anything.
Everything you have is acquired and is a blessing from God due to His favour.
Stewardship
refers to the responsible management and care of resources entrusted to an
individual or organisation. It involves making thoughtful and ethical decisions
to use, preserve, and enhance these resources for their intended purposes and
for the benefit of others.
Financial stewardship is, therefore, efficient
management of financial and material resources at one’s disposal. As
believers, it is efficiently managing the resources God commits to us for our
personal use and the advancement of His kingdom. It is a duty, and the
quality of our stewardship depends on acquiring a relevant and adequate
understanding of how to efficiently manage the resources.
Stewardship is rooted in the principle that
resources are entrusted to us for a purpose, and we are accountable for how we
manage and utilise them. Therefore, ultimately,
you will be accountable for how you manage these blessings. The following scriptures attest to
this fact.
- Psalm 24:1
The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that
dwell therein.
- Psalm 50:10 -12
For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand
hills... for the world is mine...
- John 3:27
A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
- 1 Tim. 6:7 “We
brought nothing into this world”
Stewardship is service and key to financial
empowerment; therefore, the starting point to unending prosperity is financial
stewardship.
The
purpose of kingdom wealth is for advancement of God’s kingdom, and giving
towards kingdom advancement endeavours from resources committed into your hands
is the primary purpose of kingdom wealth. Zech.1:17 …Thus saith the Lord of hosts; My cities
through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad...
Serving God and the interest of
the kingdom with resources He blessed us is a vital key to faithful
stewardship. 1 Chr. 29:3
Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of
mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my
God, over and above all that I have prepared...
For instance, Solomon built the Temple from
resources God made available to him.
2
Chronicles 2:1 - 5:1; 2 Chronicles 8:16
It is serving the interest of the kingdom that
attracts benefits such as:
• Favour
with God – Psa. 102:13-15
• Prosperity
for generations is secured – Psa. 112:1-3/9-12
• Endears
us to God – Luke 7:1-6
• Empowers
us to keep flourishing like the palm tree, thereby eliminating dry seasons – Psa.
92:12-15
Adopting a stewardship mentality will guide you in
managing money with a sense of responsibility and accountability to both God
and each other. As emphasised in Ephesians 5:21, submitting yourselves
one to another in the fear of God.
CALL
TO ACTION:
• Adopt
a stewardship approach to managing your finances as a couple.