Save Reflections
Keep the ones that speak to your heart.
Gary G. Hoag
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?”— Luke 16:10-12
“Discussing financial contributions in the context of broader stewardship or management of resources is suggested by several cases that cited holistic stewardship as a major motivational influence. This emphasis begins with a fundamental understanding of God is the owner of all and that He blesses Christians with resources to provide for themselves but also to help others.
A key element is to include financial giving as stewardship in the context of all resources such as donating time and abilities through service, and stewarding relationships by taking advantage of opportunities to talk about God’s love and salvation in Jesus. This management of all resources can then be placed in the larger framework of spiritual maturity.
In other words, those who are growing in spiritual maturity are more effectively using the resources God has given them to manage. In this way, calls to give regularly and generously, as well as effectively use other resources, are authentically positioned as calls to grow in spiritual maturity and partner with God in His work.”
Philip A. Eubanks in "Live the Vision Church Culture: An Ethnographic Case Study and Theological Inquiry." PhD diss., Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (2024) 231.
Today marks the sixth of seven posts from the doctoral dissertation of my friend, Philip A. Eubanks. Click here to download his dissertation.
Our Scripture today recounts the words of Jesus to the first disciples. It teaches us that money comes to us as test.
Can God trust you? If He cannot trust you with money, how will we demonstrate the maturity to handle true riches?
God cares more about your spiritual maturity than your level of generosity. He does not need your money. He wants your heart.
When you allocate His money to the things He cares about, your heart goes there. You grow. He smiles. You take hold of your role in the economy of God.
I realize this week may seem more academic than usual. It’s good for us to do periodic study, especially if you are an elder, pastor, or church staff member.
Regardless of your role, take advantage of opportunities to share the gospel as well as the resources in your stewardship.
Do this and you grasp the life that is truly life.
Share this Meditation:
Your Reflection Journey
Make It Personal
Create a free account to build your own rhythm of daily reflection. Save the meditations that speak to you, explore the full archive, and join a community of fellow seekers.
Full Archive
Read every past meditation.
Conversations
Share thoughts with fellow readers.
Personalization
Tailored reflections for your journey.
Receive the Daily Meditation
Receive a daily reflection rooted in Scripture to help you rediscover the joy of generosity.
