Becoming a Good Financial Steward

Financial Stewardship is a discipline and a virtue that all of us should exercise. According to meridian dictionary, stewardship is “conducting, supervising, or managing of something; especially: the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care”

I will break down the elements described in this definition; hopefully at the end, we will appreciate broadly and personalize the need to be good stewards of our finances and other resources available to us.

Elements of a Good Steward

Look closely at these terms: Conduct, Manage, Careful, responsible & trusted. These are the foundational elements of a good steward.

• Ability to conduct /control oneself and make priorities of needs versus wants. This is also a self control virtue
• Managing well the resources at hand, whether big or small. If i have problem managing small resources, it makes perfect sense that i will not be able to manage bigger/more recourses.
• Carefully planning and analyzing financial resources and making determination on how to rightfully utilize the resources at hand.  In respect to finances, these can be by use of a financial plan, budgets, or other tools that help in financial planning.
• Taking responsibility for every decision made. By taking ownership of your financial position, you set the direction of the sails and your financial ship will head in that direction want.
• The understanding that you are not entitled to anything. Everything you have, or anything you might  acquire in the future,  is just entrusted to your care by God. You do not own it.
• Faithfulness – actions that are executed in truthfulness, honnesty and with authenticity. This is a major prerequisite for a good steward. Bible says in I Cor. 4:2 “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

Stewardship transcends finances or money, into every aspect of our living. Our Jobs, our children, our relationships, businesses- you name them.  It is required of us to be good stewards of our lives.

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