Spiritual Disciplines 3: STEWARDSHIP

WEEKLY: As Christians, we all want to grow closer to Jesus, but it doesn’t happen without some intentional training. Spiritual disciplines, according to Bishop Manny Carlos, are “habits or practices that are intended to help you grow in your relationship with God…and in Christlikeness.” Over the summer, we are going to cover one Spiritual Discipline a week as we attempt to use them in our lives to grow closer to Jesus and closer in likeness to the life He lived.

Nobody wants to talk about money in church! Yet, Jesus talked A LOT about money during his ministry on earth. Our desire to avoid the topic just reveals how strong our relationship with finances tends to be; it affects our lives, minds, hearts and actions. If we don’t look at what the Bible says on the topic of stewardship in our finances, then the world will shape our view of money for us.

READ: Matthew 25:14-29 and 1 Timothy 6:17-19

RESOURCES: Across the Globe Video (2 Mins)

REFLECT:

  1. As a starting point, think about the kind of economic relationship you have with your finances? Check this out to see a summary of the “money personality types.” What are the negative and positive effects your “money personality type“ has on your ability to be a good steward?

  2. Read the Matthew verses above. What does the Bible say about our economic relationship with God in the Kingdom of heaven? Hint: God is the _______ and we are the _______.

  3. Who is “rich in this present age according to the Timothy verses above? How does this affect your view of the financial dispersion across the globe?

  4. After reading the verses above and watching the video in the “resources” section above, how has your view of money, finances, stewardship, and generosity changed?

  5. What are 1-2 things you can you do THIS WEEK to be a better, more generous, steward in the Kingdom of heaven? What will you do with the TRUST God has given you?

** While we may not agree with everything the authors/speakers say in our resources, diversity in perspectives is beneficial to growth, and we encourage an open and Spirit discerning posture while studying the Scripture and while reviewing any resource. **

Erik Thien