OUTWARD DISCIPLINE

STEWARDSHIP

DESIRE

to live as a steward of God’s resources in all areas of life; to live out of the awareness that nothing I have is my own

DEFINITION

Stewardship is the voluntary and generous offering of God’s gifts of resources, time, talents and treasure for the benefit and love of God and others.

SCRIPTURE

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9: 6-7)

 “You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” (Deuteronomy 8: 17-18)

          “ The earth is the LORD’s and everything in it,

                      the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24: 1)

“Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth. . . . But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6: 19-20)

PRACTICE INCLUDES

- a systematic, intentionally generous lifestyle flowing from love of God and others

- living in a way that exemplifies that your life, your time, your money, your home, your family are not your own making

- offerings that go beyond the tithe thoughtfully investing resources and spiritual gifts to benefit the body of Christ

- generous sharing of the resources God has given you: physical, mental, natural, economic and spiritual

GOD-GIVEN FRUIT

- being liberated from greed, self-centeredness, money and other things so that the generous spirit of Jesus grows in you

- embracing generous hospitality toward those in need

- modeling God’s goodness and generosity

- awareness of your selfishness and lack of love for others

- living from the conviction that nothing belongs to you; you didn’t deserve it or earn it; it all came from God

EXERCISES

1. Ask God to speak to you about being a steward of his gifts to you. Decide to give God a percentage of your income rather than a dollar amount. Then as your income rises and falls, give appropriately. Begin to increase this percentage as you earn more.

2. Take a look at the people who regularly are in and out of your life. Do you feel any sort of responsibility to know their needs?

3. How does knowing a need affect you?  •   How could you be the loving hands of God’s provision to someone you know?

4. Think back over your life. When have you given something that brought you great joy? What did you give? Why did it touch you so deeply?  •   How might you continue to give in the area that gives you joy?

5. How does the way you were brought up affect your stewardship? List the strengths or weaknesses that have been bequeathed to you.  •   Then consider the legacy you are passing on to others. What do you want people to say about your stewardship of your resources once you are gone?

6. Set aside a “shepherd’s purse.” Collect all your quarters and put them in the purse. Then when you hear of a need, offer what is in your “shepherd’s purse.” Children can begin a “shepherd’s purse” with nickels or even pennies.