Why not take a test to find out?
Well, I guess I should step back and chat a bit about whose money it is. If you take a look at the parable of the talents or at any of the other bible verses about stewardship, it becomes very clear that we are stewards of what God has given to us – be it our time, money, position, etc. But in this particular post we are talking about our stewardship of God’s money.
Also, the truth of the matter is that we came into the world with nothing and can’t take anything with us. I like to look that this brief life as a test. What we do with what we’ve been given on earth is going to determine a lot about our future. Are we storing up treasures in Heaven (Matt 6:20) or are we hoarding only to have less (Pro 11:24). For me, I am always looking for ways to become a better steward, which is why I was really excited about the next paragraph…
God’s money manager
I recently was listening to a favorite preacher of mine and he had some great ideas about improving our stewardship. He was explaining how any good (or even decent) money manager knows where the money under his control goes. Think about it – if you called up your money manager and asked where your money was invested and he didn’t know and had no way of finding out because it wasn’t even documented anywhere – wouldn’t you be concerned?
As stewards of God’s money – shouldn’t we at the very least know where it is all going?
Keeping track of it
He suggested getting a ledger sheet of paper and writing down the destination of every dollar that you spend for a week. I know from experience exercises like these are often eye-opening – especially to heavy spenders.
At the end of the week you can go over your list and look at how God’s money was spent. What percentage was used to help people? How much was used to store up treasures in Heaven? How much was spent at Starbucks?!
Are you up for the challenge?
I am starting this week and am excited (and a little scared) to see the results, but I know it will only be good for me. I am going to be carrying a little sheet of paper in my wallet all week and will be writing it all down! I will report my results when finished, feel free to share yours as well in the comments…
Related posts:
- Are you a good steward?
- Money Mistake #2 – Thinking that money solves money problems
- How much money does a Christian need?
- The money balance
- 5 Bible verses about money every Christian should know
- Trust in God, not money
- Money doesn’t solve money problems
- Ten Talents Club Money Mentoring Giveaway
{ 1 trackback }
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I would fail, badly. I’m looking forward to seeing how your ledger turns out though.
A Great way to motivate people to budget is to get them to follow through with this exercise, everyone should follow Bob’s lead in this.
Fortunately for me, my wife & I are already Fasting Financially so our list would be quite short, quite short indeed!
This is exactly what my goal is.. to enable to help administer the christian way of sharing and being an active christian myself by helping in endorsing education among the youth and helping their families plan for a more progressive future.
Ok. I’m going to join you on this challenge and keep a mini-money journal beginning tomorrow. I know I need to be a better steward so that God will trust me with more.
Interesting and engaging post. That shades some light into how I use money and I think I need to change my approach and become a faithful steward..He giveth us and can taketh anytime..Nice post Bob