Is knowing what God calls us to do enough? In James 2:19, it is pointed out that even the demons believe in the one true God. But that belief is not enough to count them among the people of God. Secular scholars can know much about Christianity, but not believe in the saving power of Christ.
The Bible is full of ways we are called to be good stewards of God’s resources:
§ Everything belongs to God. We are only Stewards. (Psalm 8:5-8)
§ Don’t spend more than you earn. (Proverbs 21:20)
§ Save for emergencies. (Proverbs 6:6-8)
§ Set long-term goals. (Proverbs 13:16)
§ Give generously. (Psalm 37:21; Romans 12:8)
Knowledge is important, but it is clearly not enough. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says that a wise person is one who has the humility to hear and the courage to obey (Matt. 7:24-25). It’s one thing to “know” what we are called to do and it’s another to “do” what we are called to do. Proper theology is essential, but if it doesn’t affect your life… what’s the point?
To begin to “do” rather than “know”, we need to learn to hear how God would have us manage His resources. Fortunately, we have a means to help us hear Him – spending time with Jesus. Studying God’s Word is important, but I find that if I can get my mind to go silent and be still, that’s when I can really pay attention to what God is doing, showing, and telling me. Ask Him what you should do. Don’t just wait for Him to tell you. Finally, do what He tells you to do, even if He’s calling you to take a step that you aren’t comfortable taking on your own. Growth occurs when we place our trust in Him and His plans for us.
The Winter/Spring Grove semester is wrapping up and we’ve been able to see growth occurring on a weekly basis in our Financial Peace Grove. The final lesson was about the great misunderstanding…that to get more you need to hold onto what you have all the more tightly. In terms of stewardship, we need to remember that we are not owners of our health, our family, our home, or even the earth. God is, and He wants us to give in all of those areas like He gave for us in Jesus.
In the aftermath of Easter, I can’t think of a better time for all of us to commit to spending deep time with God and seeing how He wants us to grow.
