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Here’s a potentially controversial statement: Good stewardship is important, but it is not everything.

That’s right. We said it.

 

What is everything?

Discipleship. Becoming more like Christ (in which, we become a good steward, but for the right reasons, out of love for God).

 

Over the last few weeks, we have discussed what stewardship is, what living it out actually looks like, and how to avoid letting our good stewardship become rotten. We need to be reminded that God owns it all, and we are merely caretakers of that which he has entrusted to us. Upon self-examination and Holy Spirit conviction, it is easy to become fearful about whether or not we are actually good stewards, and let procrastination turn into paralysis. However, in this episode, our goal is to encourage you to take your next step in financial stewardship using 3 easy steps.

  • Acknowledge the past
  • Assess the present
  • Prepare for the future.

Our hope is that you are motivated to grow in your stewardship journey so that you can become even more like Christ, the ultimate Good Steward. Here are 3 steps to better financial stewardship!

 

1. Acknowledge the Past

First, we need to recognize that we are a product of our environment. From our family upbringing, Pprsonal experiences, to past financial trauma, all of these external forces influence us. How does out past shape our thinking about money? What do we believe about our resources and God’s faithfulness in light of our past? 

We must understand that choices have consequences

    1. What choices are you most proud of?
    2. Which choices are you ashamed of? 
    3. What choices are you still “paying for” today?

Turn to Christ. He can redeem our past experiences as the foundation for a brighter future.

 

2. Assessing the Present

“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in, the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed you and your family and to nourish your servant girls.” (Proverbs 27:23–27, NIV84)

Where are you today financially? 

  1. What assets do you own? Balance Sheet – list your assets and liabilities. 
  2. How do you spend your money? Budget – what are your current spending habits?
  3. How does your present financial reality match up with your long term financial goals?
  4. Are you on track or is there progress needed? Are there changes that are needed to get you on track?

 

3. Prepare for the Future

“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.” (Proverbs 27:12, NIV84)  

Know when you need help – God has given you resources, relationships to make progress in stewardship. Seek advice and counsel from those wiser than you.

Take the next right step. 

    1. Build a budget and stick to it
    2. Get Life Insurance
    3. Build emergency fund 
    4. Pay off consumer debt
    5. Save for retirement
    6. Review and adjust the plan as needed. 

Trust in God for the results and for your daily needs. Do not let your confidence be drawn from the size of your portfolio, income, market performance, or political party in power.

 

Stewardship Application

You can always become a better financial steward. There is always a next step. No one truly ‘has it all together.’ If we think we have ‘ascended’ to some sort of advanced stewardship status, we have lost sight of the goal; continual spiritual growth. Our finances are just one of the discipleship elements that we strive to grow in, no matter our phase of life.

Stewardship Review – Sign up for a free Personal Stewardship Review with a member from our team. We’d be more than happy to help you take your next steps in Biblical Financial Stewardship. Let’s not let procrastination or fear get the best of you. Instead, let’s work together to craft a plan that will help you take your next steps in Biblical Stewardship.

 

Next Steps

 

Material presented is property of The Stewardology Podcast, a ministry of Life Financial Group and Life Institute. You may not copy, reproduce, modify, create derivative works, or exploit any content without the expressed written permission of The Stewardology Podcast. For more information, contact us at Contact@StewardologyPodcast.com or (800) 688-5800.

The topics discussed in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations.  Investing and investment strategies involve risk including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

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