One of our favorite parts of Crown Ministries (aka Compass Ministries) is their emphasis on God’s provision and our stewardship. From their chapter on “God’s Part and Our Part”:
“After losing his children and all his possession—in a single day!—Job continued to worship God. Even in his grief, he understood God’s role as Lord of those possessions.”
Ownership: The Lord owns all the possessions but grants us stewardship of them.
Control: As with kings and rulers, God is ultimately in charge of riches.
Provision: “Even when things look out of reach, the Lord will provide for our needs.
The same Lord who fed manna to the children of Israel during their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, and who satisfied the hunger of 5000 with only five loaves and two fish has promised to meet all of our needs.”
Note that we said needs, not wants. When we trust in God, He promises to provide our basic needs (food, water, shelter, clothing)—but not our 21st-century American wants. (Sorry!)
What is our part?
Be faithful with what you are given. Do you spend wastefully? Throw away money gambling or on bad investments? Is this the faithfulness He expects?
Be faithful in every area. Many Christians think God is mostly concerned with tithing 10% of their incomes and spending the rest as they please. But he wants us to be faithful with the other 90%, too! Children, investing, honesty, counsel, work, and worship.
As we are faithful in this area, we will grow in maturity in the Lord and grow our character.
Reference:
Navigating Your Finances God’s Way, Compass Ministries, 2011
