The Balancing Act: Stewardship God’s Way

The BALANCING ACT

STEWARDSHIP GOD’S WAY

By: Janice Wyatt

Simply put, financial stewardship is making wise choices with one’s spending and financial responsibilities.

In our world as we know it today, there is such a great pull or influence to try to maintain a certain status quo. As a result, many people find themselves facing a financial whirlwind, not realizing that by just taking time out to plan or budget for the handling of their finances, they could most likely fare much better than just spending haphazardly! When one’s finances are out of control, then this lends to great ruin in other areas of one’s life.

How Financial Stewardship Aligns with Salvation and Why It Is Necessary

Effective stewardship over our finances starts with a financial plan that, when followed, ensures a successful outcome in our natural lives. Let us consider in general terms, how budgeting lines up with the plan of salvation. The plan of salvation, provided for us by God through His Son, Jesus Christ, affords us fulfilled life. In comparison, we see that both plans allow us to escape degradation and ruin, one naturally so, the other spiritually so. In 3 John 1:2, the Word of God says, Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. This clearly means the Lord desires that we prosper both spiritually and naturally, by living a balanced lifestyle. In addition, 2 Peter 1:3 states, According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue. Therefore, we have been given what we need to maintain even our spiritual lives, as well as our financial well-being.

Causes of Negative Financial Stewardship

Falling prey to negative influences, such as the proverbial ‘keeping up with the Jones’, lends to financial self-sabotage. When we fail to properly manage our finances, this sometimes causes issues with damage to our credit, an inability to pay our bills on-time, bankruptcy. Proverbs 21:20 states: There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. Based on seedtime.com, some of the most damaging money mistakes to avoid as follows:

• Spending money without a plan • Relying on your own will power to make good financial decisions • Failing to measure your financial progress and shortcomings • Absence of real accountability • Failing to make giving a priority

Consider this quote from R.G. LeTourneau, one of the most successful 20th century inventors and businessmen, who said, “I shovel (money) out, and God shovels it back, but God has a bigger shovel.” This aligns with Luke 6:38, especially, as Mr. LeTourneau gave back 90% of his income to God and continually reaped bountifully.

As a former IRS Taxpayer Advocate, I have had the opportunity to analyze the personal finances of countless persons, in an effort to determine if a viable negotiation or settlement could be reached. It was always very interesting to see how many people did not realize how lavishly they were living while neglecting their primary responsibilities. A couple with great careers and no children but totally out of control with their finances begged me to advocate to the IRS that they were unable to pay their tax liabilities. However, as I analyzed their monthly income versus their expenses for a given time, I discovered they were spending more than $4,000-$6,000 per month eating out, because “they did not have time to cook for themselves.” (So mind-boggling, right!)

According to New York Times best-selling author and financial advisor, David Bach, millionaires rely on an auto-

matic system to manage their finances. One of Mr. Bach’s quote is, “If your financial plan is not automatic, you will fail.” Establishing automation to our finances, such as direct deposit and automated monthly bill payments could curtail lavish spending, and allow for more self-control, especially with spending. However, financial structure and discipline is key.

Financial Mindset Fix

Foremost, we must analyze the condition of our hearts to make certain that we are lining up with the Word of God, even in the handling of our finances. Matthew 6:21 states, For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

If or when we find ourselves facing financial sabotage, we must make a sincere commitment to analyze our income vs our spending trends. In summary:

• Commit to changing your lifestyle from lavish to fruitful • Develop a monthly budget and stick to it • Maintaining a savings account and a rainy-day emergency fund • Consider investing in other viable wealth-building strategies • Ensure your tithes are included in your budget, as it is your obligation to God according to Proverbs 3:9-10 and Malachi 3:10.

If this article has tugged at your heart, and you are ready to make a sincere commitment to be a better steward of your finances, then say this short prayer of devotion:

“Father God, thank you for reminding me of my obligation to be a good steward of what you have assigned to me, especially in the area of handling my finances. I desire to make a more conscious effort to please you everyday. In Jesus’ name, Amen”.