1. Introduction to Biblical Financial Stewardship

It’s all God’s money. Many Christians would nod their head in agreement with that statement, but when it’s time to open the wallet, it’s as if we have completely forgotten. Suddenly it’s our money and we try desperately to get or keep as much as possible.

My passion for this series of studies is to transform the way we think about money as Christians. Money is the currency of life that can disproportionately control our minds and distract us from God. But the answer is not to somehow stop thinking about money. We don’t need to feel guilty when money comes to mind, as if such thoughts are to be avoided like lust or hate or vanity. We don’t need to think about money less; we need to think about money differently.

We need to think about money the way God thinks about money. An adjusted view of money and material possessions is part of the renewing of the mind that God intends for us as we grow spiritually (Romans 12:2). Financial decisions can actually be one of the most effective means of drawing close to God and glorifying Him. What other means is there that so effectively requires that we become dependent on God and evaluate our motives than our finances?

Jesus’ model prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) seems to include all of the core elements of our relationship to our heavenly Father. His prayer did not only consist of lofty issues like worship, a coming kingdom and God’s will. Jesus urged us to relate to our heavenly Father by becoming reliant on Him for daily bread. Just as earthly children naturally stay close to their parents because they need food, we can also draw close to God as our Father by acknowledging that we are financially dependent on Him.

The bottom line is that we are not owners of anything material; we are stewards. The sooner we realize that, the sooner we can be released from the tyrannies of both money worries and money ambitions. God’s desire for us financially is that we relax in the reality of His ownership.

This series is not about getting more, saving more or even giving more money. It’s about a different way to think about money. If we absorb and adopt God’s view we are in for a major adjustment of our mindset – and a major relief. God’s message to us about money is (drum roll please)…that it’s not our money; it’s His!