The United States is rich in diversity, with people from a multitude of ethnic backgrounds, religious affiliations, and political persuasions. However, the government and corporate America apply one label to everyone: “consumer.” It is virtually impossible to make it through a single day without hearing the term applied to us. The government keeps close tabs on the consumer price index, consumer confidence, and, most importantly, consumer spending. Businesses – run by MBAs who have studied consumer behavior – use our demographic characteristics, where we live, and our past purchasing behavior to place us in consumer segments or consumer targets. The word “consumer” is used so often that we may have lost sight of what it means. According to the dictionary, to consume is to “use up” and “to spend wastefully.”

Haven’t we done a good job of living up to those definitions? While there have been some changes in behavior as a result of economic conditions the past several years, the average savings rate is still low, the average consumer (there’s that word again) debt is too high and bankruptcy statistics are still appalling. That suggests that too many people have accepted the “consumer” label that has been thrust upon them.

When it comes to money and material things, the Bible says we are to be the exact opposite of consumers. In the parable of the talents, Jesus uses an earthly master as a metaphor for God. The master goes on a journey and temporarily entrusts his property to his servants. After a long time he returns and holds His servants accountable for how they managed His possessions (Matthew 25:14-30).

That’s the model that Christians are called to follow – that everything in our possession is actually owned by God; we are simply passing through and have been temporarily entrusted with His possessions. One day we will be asked to give an account for our management of His possessions. God’s label for us is “steward.”

Robert Wuthnow, professor of social sciences and director of the Center for the Study of American Religion at Princeton University, has studied stewardship: what the concept means to people and how it impacts their lives. His research confirms what the financial statistics suggest: the notion of stewardship resonates with very few people. Close to 40% said they don’t know what stewardship means or that it isn’t very meaningful to them. Of the remainder, only 22% said the idea is very meaningful. Even among those who attend church services every week, just 42% said it is very meaningful to them.

Clearly, more frequent and more detailed teaching about stewardship is needed! [There’s the rationale for your ministry!], But such teaching will have to be bold if it is to rise above the din of society’s constant chattering about “consumers.” Be bold!

By: Dick Towner
Executive Director, Good $ense Stewardship Ministry
This is posted with permission from the Good $ense column

If you’re looking for next step resources…

• Free Good $ense ministry resources (like debt calculator, spending plan, spending record…)
• Stewardship Resources (from books to small group curriculum)

Andy Stanley is a favorite of mine and a recent 6 week series he taught on maintaining financial balance is, in my estimation, one of the best I’ve heard. Check it out, listen for your own edification and pass it on to your team and your pastor. You can read about and access viewing the series here.

By: Dick Towner
Executive Director, Good $ense Stewardship Ministry
This is posted with permission from the Good $ense column

If you’re looking for next step resources…

• Free Good $ense ministry resources (like debt calculator, spending plan, spending record…)
• Stewardship Resources (from books to small group curriculum)

Someone recently asked me what I would say if I was asked to summarize the key things I hoped folks would understand in relation to biblical stewardship. I found that to be a challenging and thought-provoking question.

Here’s my answer – in no particular order, with the exception of the last two being the most important:

1. The ultimate goal of frugality is generosity. It’s wise to save and I believe we’re called to live a lifestyle of moderation and contentment. But it’s not just so we can amass more money. It’s so we have more to give to those in need and to give to causes that advance the work of God in the world.
2. Good financial stewardship is not rocket science. There are just a few basic principles: Have a plan, spend less than you earn, avoid consumer debt, save for the unexpected (but avoid hoarding), and be generous and learn contentment.
3. Have a support network. Financial stewardship may not be rocket science but because of the temptations of our culture, it’s hard! So have one or more support folks who believe as you do and with whom you can give and receive encouragement as you pursue a counter-cultural way of handling your financial resources.
4. Our culture lies – very persuasively! You know the big 3 lies from the G$ courses: Things bring happiness, debt is expected and unavoidable, and little more money will solve all my problems. We shouldn’t be surprised by the lies and temptations – they are part of the epic struggle between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of the world. Be conscious of the need to refute them – the means to do it is all around us if we look for iit.
5. We live in a materialistically berserk environment. Lots could be said on this but to prove the point: Houses are twice as big as in 1950 and families are 25% smaller, but our attics, basements, closets and garages are so full of stuff that a whole new growth industry, self storage facilities, has emerged. We are madly about building bigger barns (pretty foolish according to God).
6. It may be hard (especially at first) but “You can do it!? Irrespective of our means, we can practice good financial stewardship. While there are particular challenges for the poor, there are also unique challenges to the wealthy upon whom money can exert a very strong hold. The reason we all can do it is God is for us and really wants us to “get it right” in this area of our lives.
7. God is faithful – if not through providing materially to the degree we had desired, then in teaching what we need to learn through difficult times.
8. Contentment is key, creates peace in place of anxiety, and can be learned.Pray hard and reflect on this. Replace envy with the joy of giving. Allow your supportive friends to challenge you in this area. Paul learned to be content in all circumstances – it may not be easy but it can be done!
9. Financial stewardship is a huge spiritual issue. That’s what should drive our passion to grow in this area! Money can be, and is for many, the chief rival god. It’s all about where my heart is, who I am serving, whether or not the deceitfulness of riches will choke out God’s Word in my life and whether or not the love of money will lead me to all kinds of evil. (See Matt. 6:21; 6:24. 13:22 and 1 Tim. 6:10.)
10. We really are not owners of anything, just caretakers… and all we have is a gift from God. In earthly terms, yes, we own things. We have deeds and titles. But in eternal terms the earth and the fullness thereof belong to the Lord. And the means by which we acquire possessions (our minds, healthy bodies, talents) have come from God. Further, one way or the other, we will lose all those earthly treasures, either while we’re here or when we die. Ownership is incompatible with stewardship.

I’m not sure if all that is helpful but it felt good to put it in writing! I’m sure if I gave it more thought I’d come up with things to add. What are the key things you would want to say about financial stewardship?

By: Dick Towner
Executive Director, Good $ense Stewardship Ministry

This is posted with permission from the Good $ense column

If you’re looking for next step resources…

• Free Good $ense ministry resources (like debt calculator, spending plan, spending record…)
• Stewardship Resources (from books to small group curriculum)