As a pastor, I'm often called upon to help people think about stewardship and generosity. Here are a few ideas from Scripture that have been on my mind this week. Which of these passages speaks the loudest and clearest to you today?Everything we have—every dollar, every tool, every talent—is from God.
Deuteronomy 8:18 — “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”
Trusting God's provision motivates generosity.
Proverbs 3:9-10 — “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
The bold giver is one who really learns how faithful God is to bless.
Malachi 3:10 — “‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.’”
We must recognize the rivals to God's rightful claim for our hearts and devotion.
Matthew 6:24 — “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
We cannot sow sparingly and expect to reap abundantly.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 — “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
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