SpiriseBible
God's Money, Our Management: Living as Financial Stewards
How do we handle money in a way that honors God? Let's explore real-life scenarios that challenge our perspective on biblical finances.
Mark and Lisa are reviewing their tight budget. They're struggling to make ends meet and wondering about tithing.
Their Monthly Budget Reality:
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Income (after tax) | $3,500 |
| Rent | -$1,200 |
| Groceries | -$600 |
| Car Payment | -$450 |
| Utilities | -$300 |
| Insurance | -$250 |
| Other Expenses | -$500 |
| Remaining | $200 |
Biblical Truth:
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse... and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." - Malachi 3:10
God doesn't need our money; He wants our trust. Tithing is about faith, not finances.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." - Matthew 6:33 (KJV)
Sarah just received a $10,000 inheritance. Friends and family have lots of opinions.
Sarah's Stewardship Plan:
Give (10%)
$1,000
Tithe & offerings
Save (40%)
$4,000
Emergency fund
Debt (50%)
$5,000
Pay down loans
At church, they announce a special offering for a missionary family in crisis.
Real Testimony:
"I gave my shoe money to that missionary family. The very next week, my neighbor was cleaning out her closet and gave me three pairs of nearly-new shoes in my size! God's math doesn't make sense, but it always adds up!" - Anonymous
Biblical Money Management Steps:
-
1
Give First
Honor God with firstfruits, not leftovers (Proverbs 3:9) -
2
Live Below Your Means
Practice contentment and avoid lifestyle inflation (1 Timothy 6:6) -
3
Save Consistently
Prepare for the future and unexpected needs (Proverbs 21:20) -
4
Avoid Debt
"The borrower is servant to the lender" (Proverbs 22:7) -
5
Be Generous
Look for opportunities to bless others (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Kingdom Economics:
"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom." - Luke 6:38
In God's economy, we gain by giving, save by spending on others, and grow rich by being generous.
- Track every penny you spend for one week
- Pray before making any purchase over $50
- Find one area to cut back and redirect that money to giving
- Start or increase your emergency fund by any amount
- Thank God for His provision, regardless of your bank balance
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." - Matthew 6:21 (KJV)
