Stewardship & Generosity
Biblical stewardship and generosity are central themes throughout Scripture, with money and giving referenced approximately 2,300 times from Genesis to Revelation - more frequently than even salvation itself. Understanding these principles is essential for followers of Christ as they navigate their financial responsibilities and opportunities for worship through giving.
Money as a Window to Worship
Jesus teaches us that our finances reveal something profound about our hearts and priorities. In Matthew 6:19-21, He provides both a restriction and a redirection for our financial thinking (Why do we give?, 4:04).
The restriction comes in verse 19: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal." Jesus warns against placing all our financial resources in earthly investments because they are both destructible and uncertain (Why do we give?, 4:52). As Proverbs 23:5 reminds us, "When you set your eyes on it, it is gone, for wealth certainly makes itself wings like an eagle that flies toward the heavens."
The redirection follows in verse 20: "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." This isn't about avoiding earthly financial planning, but rather ensuring we're also investing in eternal things that have lasting value (Why do we give?, 5:44).
The key principle comes in verse 21: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Our financial choices reveal our devotion and show what we truly worship (Why do we give?, 6:39).
Biblical Foundations for Giving
Scripture presents giving not as a burden but as an act of worship. Paul describes the Philippians' financial gift in Philippians 4:18 as "a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God" (Why do we give?, 7:53). This shows that our finances provide an opportunity to engage in worship of our God and King, extending beyond just verbal declarations of faith.
Worship through giving isn't restricted to musical expression alone, though that remains an important element of Sunday gatherings. Rather, how we steward, invest, and utilize our money also constitutes worship (Why do we give?, 8:44).
Spheres of Financial Devotion
Scripture outlines several key areas where believers are called to express devotion through their finances:
Family First
1 Timothy 5:8 establishes that we're called to provide for our own household. Employment serves the purpose of stewarding God's resources to care for those He has placed within our responsibility (Why do we give?, 11:38).
Care for the Poor
Jesus teaches about giving to the poor earlier in Matthew 6, calling believers to invest financial resources in the broader community where resources are lacking. This involves providing help, benefit, and resources where there are unmet needs (Why do we give?, 11:54).
Support for the Local Church
Scripture clearly calls believers to support the local church where they worship. 1 Timothy 5:17-18 discusses supporting elders who work at leading and teaching, while 1 Corinthians 9:14 states that "the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel" (Why do we give?, 12:28).
Moving Beyond Obligation to Devotion
Rather than asking "How much do I have to give?", believers should consider what their giving communicates about their relationship with God. The question of minimum amounts can denote low worth toward what we're giving to and misses the heart of why we give in the first place (Why do we give?, 13:16).
Our financial choices always communicate something about our level of devotion and investment in God's work. Just as the amount spent on a gift in dating relationships communicates the value placed on that relationship, how much we give reveals what we think about our relationship with God (Why do we give?, 14:53).
Grace-Based Giving
For those who don't yet have a relationship with Jesus Christ, the gospel message is clear: God isn't asking for financial resources first. Instead, He offers the free gift of salvation through Christ's sacrifice. As 1 Peter 1:18-19 explains, we are "not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ" (Why do we give?, 15:20).
This relationship with Christ began at great cost, but the cost was paid by Him, not us. For those who know Jesus Christ, giving flows from gratitude for this extravagant gift rather than from obligation (Why do we give?, 16:27).
Practical Application
Believers are encouraged to take extended time in prayer, asking God what He would have them do with their finances. This applies to all life stages - even college students who may have more disposable income than they realize (Why do we give?, 19:17).
It's crucial to shape biblical convictions about money before having significant amounts, as it becomes much more difficult to establish proper priorities once wealth is accumulated (Why do we give?, 20:06).
Economic challenges provide opportunities to re-evaluate financial decisions and seek God's guidance for moving forward, asking whether He would have us reinvest in new ministries and opportunities (Why do we give?, 20:55).
Through biblical stewardship and generous giving, believers can ensure their finances become a window that reveals worship of the true and living God rather than the temporal things of this world.