Personal Finance 1
Personal Finance 1
RESPONSIVE STEWARDSHIP
"If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will help straighten out almost every other area of his life."
-Billy Graham
"Jesus Christ said more about money than about any other single thing because, when it comes to a man’s real nature, money is of first importance. Money is an exact index to a man’s true character. All through Scripture there is an intimate correlation between the development of a man’s character and how he handles his money."
-Richard Halverson
What is responsive stewardship?
1. Who Am I / Identity
2. Our heart follows our money (Matthew 6:21)
3. Only find true contentment in Christ
Understanding my true identity is the key to winning the victory over strongholds in my life. I am so much more than a slave.
- What does identity mean? Who does God say we are, as believers and followers of Christ?
- Do we always function out of this true identity?
- Concept of misplaced identity (i.e. finding it in someone or something other than in Christ) and over-identifying with someone or something is idolatry.
- Why do we misplace identity?
- Original sin- Adam and Eve desired to be like God – Gen 3:4-6
- Lies of the enemy: false expectations, cultural influences (the American Dream), we can determine what is good.
- We were made to worship something, we try to fill voids only Christ can fill.
- Where do we misplace our identity (i.e. false identities)
- Self
- Possessions – money, house, cars, clothes
- Relationships – spouse/marriage, friends
- Positions – work/career, title, power, abilities/talents/intelligence
- Time and Activities – comfort, destinations, media, justice issues, politics, sports
- What are the consequences of trying to find our identity in something other than Christ?
- Pride → Arrogance, anger, unrealistic expectations, poor stewardship, bondage
FIVE KEY CONCEPTS:
- God owns it all
Deuteronomy 10:14 says, “To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.” We all recognize our assets will stay behind when we leave this earth. Psalms 89:11 says, “The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it.”
- I am to be a steward of the resources God has provided
God clearly instructs us to be prudent managers of His resources. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25: 14-30), God illustrates his commandment for us to be good stewards of the resources (time, abilities, money, possessions) we manage. Take it to the Lord in a responsive posture before Him.
- Seek wise counsel
Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” Everyone needs Christian advisors (accountants, attorneys, trusted friends and accountability partners) for guidance. Often when we are looking at our own affairs, our view of reality or good judgement can get distorted. Caution: be sure your Christian advisors are trustworthy.
- Expect uncertainty
There is always uncertainty in the world, especially financial uncertainty. It is not healthy to hide from the valleys of life, but we should also be careful when we are on the mountains. Stock markets go up and down. Don’t let emotions dictate your actions. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and courageous, Do not be afraid or terrified because of them. For the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
- Have a plan and stick to it
Luke 14:28 says, “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? Clearly, we are to have a plan we strive for and a strategy to accomplish it. There will be times when the plan needs to be tweaked but the core of the plan shouldn’t change because of emotional reactions to external circumstances. Remember: God wants us to have a plan but God is the Lord of the plan and always has the right to change it.
Summary: You don’t own it. God does. Manage it well. Ask for help and accountability.
