Larry Burkett once said, “The one principle that surrounds everything else is that of stewardship; that we are the managers of everything that God has given us.” These words remind us that stewardship is not just about money or tithing—it’s about faithfully managing everything God has entrusted to us.

As believers, we’re called to be stewards because God created and owns everything. Our role is to manage His resources wisely for His purposes. But how can we know if we’re fulfilling this calling? To guide our journey of faithfulness, let’s explore the seven marks of a good steward.

1. Acknowledging God’s Ownership

Good stewards recognize that everything belongs to God, including their resources, skills, and abilities. They understand they’re temporary managers entrusted with God’s gifts for His purposes.

• Scripture to Reflect On: “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth.” (Deuteronomy 8:18)

2. Understanding Their Mission

Good stewards grasp the significance of their role in God’s plan. They take their responsibilities seriously but approach them with humility, knowing they’re part of something greater than themselves.

• Scripture to Reflect On: “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3)

3. Faithfulness in Action

Faithfulness is at the heart of stewardship. This includes following God’s financial principles: earning, saving, investing, and, most importantly, giving. Faithful stewards persevere, trusting that God will honor their obedience.

• Scripture to Reflect On: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” (Luke 16:10)

4. Trustworthiness

Good stewards are honest and trustworthy in all they do. Integrity builds a foundation for effective stewardship, honoring God, and earning the trust of others.

• Scripture to Reflect On: “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2)

5. Diligence in Their Work

Stewards are diligent, actively using what God has given them rather than neglecting or mismanaging it. They commit to working as if serving the Lord in all they do.

• Scripture to Reflect On: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23)

6. Prayerful Dependence

Good stewards seek God’s guidance through prayer, trusting in His wisdom and provision. Prayer frees them from anxiety and anchors them in God’s peace.

• Scripture to Reflect On: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

7. Spirit-Led Action

Finally, good stewards act when the Holy Spirit leads, preparing their minds and hearts for action and living in obedience to God’s will.

• Scripture to Reflect On: “Preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you.” (1 Peter 1:13)

Dependence on God’s Grace

These seven characteristics set a high standard, reminding us that stewardship is more about faithfulness than perfection. We can’t meet these marks in our own strength. Instead, we depend on God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit to walk in obedience.

Let’s commit to being faithful stewards, trusting that God will equip us for the journey. As 1 Corinthians 4:2 reminds us, “Those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” May we glorify God in all we do, managing His gifts with care and purpose.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• I'm getting ready to start receiving payments from my annuity. I want to give from the annuity, but I would like to know if I would get tax benefits from taking that money out of my annuity and paying it directly to a charity.
• I'm charged a rider charge on monthly withdrawals from an indexed annuity. Is there any way to avoid that? I have seven more years because it's a 10-year annuity.
• My daughter and son-in-law have $35,000 in debt, primarily for home repairs and a vehicle. They have a 3.5% mortgage but are being advised to do a cash-out refinance, which would take them to 6.5-7% on the full $155,000. Is there anything else they can do besides this refinance?
• I'm 74 and still working full-time. My 401(k) has about $500,000 in it, plus a company-funded pension. Should I roll that 401(k) over now or wait until I get close to retirement? I'm considering retiring by the end of next year.
• My mother is 89 and sold her house for about $300,000. At this stage in her life, how should she invest the money? Should she consider putting some of it into an annuity? I'd like her to have easy access to it.
• I was raised in a wealthy home, so I never learned proper financial principles. Now, I want to learn how to be financially responsible and properly steward God's provision in my family and business. Do you have any suggestions on how I can get started?
• I am 52 and retired, and my wife is 62 and retired. We're doing well, but more is always better. Could my wife start claiming my Social Security and spousal benefits now?
• I was told I might be eligible for my brother's pension. Do you know of a website where I can search for a lost pension?

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Publication
• Your Money Counts: The Biblical Guide to Earning, Spending, Saving, Investing, Giving, and Getting Out of Debt by Howard Dayton
• Master Your Money: A Step-by-Step Plan for Experiencing Financial Contentment by Ron Blue with Michael Blue
• Money, Possessions, and Eternity: A Comprehensive Guide to What the Bible Says about Financial Stewardship, Generosity, Materialism, Retirement, Financial Planning, Gambling, Debt, and More by Randy Alcorn
• National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.

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