home > services > Christian stewardship > the individual

The Individual:

It is our prayer that you will be informed, challenged, and spiritually blessed as you discover the biblical definition of a Christian Steward. We invite you to read, reflect, and seek God’s guidance as to your life as a steward of God’s blessings.

Background

Surveys tell us that more than half of all divorces result from financial tension in the home. There are others whose finances are sound, but they are buried under materialism that is robbing them of their spiritual joy. They are not using their resources to “store treasure in heaven.”

Fortunately, the Bible has the answers to these financial difficulties—it contains more than 2,350 verses dealing with money and possessions. More of these verses deal with the area of giving than any other financial subject. We must take seriously the biblical teaching that EVERYTHING BELONGS TO GOD and we are the steward or manager. The power of money, possessions, and influence cannot be underestimated as to how it can control and manipulate the lives of people if they lose focus as to whom it really belongs. The Bible teaches we cannot serve two masters. Each of us either know personally or have read about the fall of individuals because of greed.

Almost 7 in 10 people will die without even a will in place causing families to face financial and life stresses so easily prevented had they taken the time to plan their estate. Beyond even that, it represents lost opportunity for Believers to leave a charitable gift that becomes a real “Kingdom” legacy impacting lives for Christ.

Randy Alcorn, author of the best selling. The Treasure Principle, says, “The Lord intends giving to be one of the most blessed and joyful experiences of our Christian life.” Too many times we try to talk about finances and faith as separate issues. The Scriptures teach these are inseparable.

The Process of Becoming a Christian Steward begins with the desire to change and then there are several ways to move forward in this important spiritual walk.

1. God’s Word – is the guidebook for the Believer and it is through His Word that God reaches and teaches his people. Read the Bible with a renewed focus to discover its teaching on what it means to be a steward including our time, talents, and finances.
2. Pray – prayer is the source of the Believer’s power. Through the reading of His Word and prayer, the Holy Spirit can guide you as to what God would have you do with your life and possessions.
3. Act – upon God’s guidance. For some it may be to begin to take actions to get out of debt. For others it might be seek guidance for developing and implementing a Christian estate plan.
4. Share – with others what God has impressed upon your heart. Your witness may be what others need to hear to help them grow into a faithful steward.
5. Educate – if your church is not offering stewardship training that includes stewardship of estate assets, encourage your pastor and leadership team to do so.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

For more information, contact The Office of Development at 334-394-2001 or email tbfa@tbfa.org.

> back to Christian Stewardship