Blog 3
How Is Stewardship Synonymous with the Christian Life?
Stewardship is not merely a subcategory of the Christian life—it is the Christian life. From the moment we are redeemed in Christ, we are entrusted with time, talents, treasures, and the gospel itself, all of which we are called to manage for the glory of God. Biblical stewardship is not optional; it is woven into the fabric of what it means to follow Christ.
God as Sovereign Owner, Man as Steward
At the heart of biblical stewardship is the recognition that God is the sovereign owner of all things. Psalm 24:1 declares, "The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein." Everything we possess—our lives, resources, and opportunities—belongs to God, and we are merely stewards, called to manage His gifts wisely.
This truth is reinforced in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), where Jesus illustrates that God entrusts each of us with resources according to His wisdom. The faithful steward understands that his role is not to squander, hoard, or misuse what has been given but to multiply and use it for the advancement of God’s kingdom.
Stewardship of Time, Talents, and Treasures
1. Time: Our days are not our own. Psalm 90:12 urges us to “number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Every moment is an opportunity to serve God, worship Him, and edify others. Whether in our work, rest, or relationships, we are called to be mindful stewards of the time given to us.
2. Talents: Every believer has been given spiritual gifts and natural abilities (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). These gifts are not for personal gain but for the edification of the church and the proclamation of the gospel. Faithful stewardship means using our talents in ways that bring glory to God and serve His people.
3. Treasures: Our financial resources and material possessions are not our own; they are entrusted to us for God's purposes. The early church in Acts 4:32-35 exemplifies sacrificial giving, demonstrating that true Christian stewardship involves generosity, not greed. When we give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7), we reflect the heart of our heavenly Father, who gave us the greatest gift—His Son.
Stewardship and the Gospel
Stewardship extends beyond managing physical resources; it also encompasses our responsibility to share the gospel. Paul describes himself as a steward of the mysteries of God (1 Corinthians 4:1), recognizing that the gospel is not ours to keep but to proclaim. Every Christian has been entrusted with the truth of salvation and is called to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Evangelism, discipleship, and serving the local church are integral aspects of stewardship.
A Life of Faithful Stewardship
Faithful stewardship is evidence of a life surrendered to Christ. It is not merely about giving tithes or serving in church but about an entire life lived under the Lordship of Christ. Romans 12:1 calls us to offer our bodies as “a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” This is the essence of stewardship—recognizing that our entire being is for His glory.
Stewardship and the Christian life are inseparable. To follow Christ is to steward well what He has entrusted to us. As we live in obedience, may we seek to be found faithful stewards, bringing glory to our King in every aspect of our lives. Amen.
---Arundhati Wanjare
Blog: 2
A Biblical Mindset about Money
Money is a topic that stirs up all kinds of emotions—stress, excitement, fear, or even guilt. In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of wealth or overwhelmed by financial pressures. But what does the Bible say about money? How can we, as believers, cultivate a mindset that aligns with God’s perspective rather than the world’s? Let’s explore a few key principles to shape a biblical mindset about money.
1. Money Is a Tool, Not a Master
One of the clearest teachings in Scripture is that money should never control us. Jesus Himself said, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24, NIV). This verse reminds us that money is a tool to be used, not a god to be worshipped.
A biblical mindset sees money as a resource God provides to meet our needs, bless others, and advance His kingdom—not as the source of our security or identity. When we let money dictate our decisions or emotions, we’ve given it a place it doesn’t deserve.
2. Contentment over Covetousness
The world tells us to chase more—more wealth, more stuff, more status. But the Bible calls us to a different standard: contentment. In 1 Timothy 6:6-10, Paul writes, “Godliness with contentment is great gain… For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” Notice it’s not money itself that’s the problem, but the love of it—the insatiable desire for more.
A biblical mindset finds peace in what God has already provided, trusting Him for tomorrow. Hebrews 13:5 reinforces this: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” Contentment isn’t complacency—it’s confidence in God’s provision.
3. Generosity Reflects God’s Heart
Scripture is full of encouragement to give generously. Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Jesus praised the widow who gave her last coins (Mark 12:41-44), not because of the amount, but because of her heart.
A biblical mindset about money isn’t focused on hoarding wealth but on sharing it. God blesses us so we can be a blessing to others (Genesis 12:2). Whether it’s tithing, helping a neighbor, or supporting a ministry, generosity aligns us with God’s character, who gave His only Son for us (John 3:16).
4. Stewardship, Not Ownership
Perhaps the most transformative shift in a biblical mindset is recognizing that we don’t truly “own” our money—God does. Psalm 24:1 declares, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” We’re stewards, entrusted with resources to manage wisely for His glory.
This perspective changes how we spend, save, and invest. It prompts us to ask: Am I honoring God with this decision? In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus teaches that faithful stewardship brings reward, while squandering or burying what we’re given displeases God. A good steward seeks wisdom, avoids debt when possible, and plans with eternity in mind.
5. Trust God, Not Wealth
Finally, a biblical mindset anchors its trust in God, not in bank accounts. Proverbs 23:4-5 warns, “Do not wear yourself out to get rich… Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off.” Wealth is fleeting, but God is constant.
Jesus encouraged His followers to “store up treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20), pointing us toward eternal priorities. When we trust God as our provider—whether in abundance or scarcity—we’re free from the anxiety that money often brings.
Living It Out
So how do we put this mindset into practice? Start with prayer—ask God to align your heart with His when it comes to money. Study Scripture for wisdom, like the book of Proverbs, which is packed with practical financial advice. Set goals to give generously, live within your means, and seek counsel when making big decisions.
A biblical mindset about money isn’t about having a certain amount in the bank; it’s about where your heart is. When we see money through God’s eyes, it becomes a means to glorify Him, not a burden to bear.
---Arundhati Wanjare
Blog:1
"The Love of Money: What the Bible Warns Us About"
Introduction:
Have you ever heard someone say, “Money is the root of all evil”? It’s a phrase that gets tossed around a lot, but it’s not quite what the Bible says. In 1 Timothy 6:10, we’re told, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” That little word “love” changes everything. It’s not money itself that’s the problem—it’s our hearts getting tangled up in it. I’ve wrestled with this myself, wondering where the line is between enjoying what I have and chasing after more. And it was a struggle, but with God’s word which is Live and which can enlighten our mind and heart, I have understood the difference. So let’s unpack what the Bible really means and why this warning still hits home today.
The Heart of the Issue:
Money’s just a thing—coins, paper, numbers on a screen. The Bible doesn’t call it evil. In fact, God gives us resources to use, like in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), where a master trusts his servants with money to invest. The trouble starts when we stop seeing it as a tool and start treating it like a treasure. 1 Timothy 6:10 goes on to say that some people, “eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” It’s that eagerness—the craving—that pulls us away from what matters.
When Love Turns Toxic:
Think about the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-22. He asks Jesus how to inherit eternal life, but when Jesus tells him to sell his possessions and give to the poor, he walks away sad. Why? Because he loved his wealth more than he loved God or others. It’s not that he had money—it’s that money had him. The Bible is full of these warnings: Hebrews 13:5 says, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.” It’s less about our bank account and more about where our trust lies. Do we trust money to save us, or God?
Breaking Free:
So how do we avoid this trap? It’s not about swearing off money altogether—bills still need paying! For me, it’s been about small shifts. Like pausing to thank God for what I have instead of obsessing over what I don’t. Or giving a little extra when I can, not because I have to, but because it reminds me money isn’t my master. Or even educating some of the younger women in my family and church about how to be stewards of money and not lovers of money. Jesus puts it perfectly in Matthew 6:24: “You cannot serve both God and money.” It’s a choice we make every day.
Conclusion:
The love of money isn’t about how much you have—it’s about what has you. The Bible doesn’t guilt us for earning or enjoying wealth; it warns us against letting it rule our hearts. So, where are you at with this? Take a second to think: What’s one way money might be tugging at you more than it should? I’d love to hear your thoughts—or even a verse that’s helped you keep it in check.
--- Arundhati Wanjare