Financial Stewardship

God is the Creator, and he is the Provider of all good things (Acts 14:15–17; James 1:17; Rev. 4:11). Every gift he provides comes with responsibility to enjoy and use in ways that brings honor to him, the Giver. Each of us, therefore, is a “steward” of God’s gifts, entrusted with the responsibility of managing his resources as those who bear his image (Gen. 1:26–28).

Our money is one of the most important areas of stewardship. The way we view money and the way we use money reflects our deepest beliefs and values. From the Bible’s perspective:

  • God gives us the ability to gain wealth (Deut. 8:17–18).

  • God calls us to love and serve him, not money (Matt. 6:24; 1 Tim. 6:9–10).

  • God calls us to work hard and save money appropriately (Prov. 6:6–8).

  • God calls us to give generously (2 Cor. 8:2).

  • God calls us to give to spread the gospel throughout the world (Phil. 1:3–5).

Below I suggest resources to help you be a faithful steward of your financial resources. Many of the principles we read about apply to other areas of our lives, such as how we use our spiritual gifts.

*Your Money Map by Howard Dayton (1 or 2): The author outlines seven steps to “financial freedom” or, perhaps better put, seven steps to wise stewardship of God’s resources.

*Managing God's Money by Randy Alcorn (1 or 2): An accessible, extended reflection on what the Bible says about being a faithful steward of God’s money.

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (1 or 2): At times, Ramsey’s writing feels like an infomercial. And I don’t agree with everything he teaches. For example, because we are not living under the Mosaic Law (1 Cor. 9:20; Gal. 5:18), I do not believe that all Christians must give 10% of their income. Some Christians will give less than 10%, while some will give more. However, all Christians need to think through how they approach issues such budgeting, debt, and saving. Ramsey pushes us toward greater clarity in these areas of our lives. Read this book along with his workbook. You might find it helpful to take the class called Financial Peace University, online or at a church near you.

The Grace of Giving by John Stott and Chris Wright (2): Stott outlines ten principles of Christian giving and makes clear connections on how it advances the gospel in the world. This edition of the book also includes six principles of financial accountability by Chris Wright.

Christians in an Age of Wealth by Craig L. Blomberg (3 or 4): This book establishes a comprehensive, detailed theology of stewardship. Not only is Blomberg’s writing clear and balanced, but he is a man who is deeply committed to contributing his own resources to advance God’s purposes in the world.