Seven Laws of Biblical Stewardship

By Douglas Hollen

In these trying economic times, we have seen unemployment rise, large companies fail, and the Stock Market value (as measured by the Dow Jones Industrial Average) cut almost in half. To us personally that may mean our dreams of retirement have been shattered, or at least put off; we are trying to figure out how we are going to put our kids through college; lost employment has caused us to dip into our savings and we are left wondering, “What next? Where do we turn when all around us all we see is chaos?” The answer is simple: The Word of God!

In times of trial, I find the Word of God comforting. In fact, it has been my experience that in times of testing when I turn to God’s Word, I grow closer to Him.

With that in mind, I set out to bring two sides of my life together: 17 years as a registered investment representative and 40 plus years as a Christian. Searching the Scripture to see what God’s Word had to say about our current financial crisis: whether it is global or a little closer to home, God’s Word has the answer.

These answers can be found in ‘Seven Laws of Biblical Stewardship.’ For today I will just give a brief introduction. Over the following months I hope to expand on these in more depth.

Law #1: God owns and controls all things

In Job chapter 1, Job states, “Naked I came … naked I will depart” – recognizing that all he had was given to him by God. In further recognition of God’s control and ownership, Job states, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken.”

As stewards, we must realize we have nothing – we started with nothing and we end with nothing. The Lord has the right to give as well as take. What we do have, we only have for a season – it is a blessing from God; we should use it wisely for His Kingdom. (Job 1:20-21; Psalm 103:19)

Law #2: Life is more than money

In Mark’s Gospel, chapter 8 verse 36, the question is asked, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?”

This is a hard one for us, in America, where we measure the worth of a man by the house he lives in, the car he drives, or the size of his bank account. Here, Mark reminds us when we stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, none of that will matter. If it won’t matter then, how much should it matter now? (Mark 8:34-37)

Law #3: Investing is Biblical, but must be done God’s way

In James 4:13 and following, we read a story of a businessman with big plans; then we are reminded that life is only a vapor – we don’t know the future and we control nothing. We are told we should only plan according to God’s will; for only when we are in His will and following His plan for our lives will we find success. (James 4:13-17)

Law #4: We are to build treasure in heaven, not on earth

In Matthew 6:19-21, Christ tells us not to store treasure on earth; He warns us of the destructive forces of rust, moths and thieves. Earthly treasure can be lost, taken away, or destroyed; but treasure in heaven cannot be destroyed or taken away.

One must ask, “What are treasures in heaven?” The Bible teaches only two things in this life will ever make it to heaven – the souls of the redeemed and the Word of God.

Law #5: Tithing and Giving are commands of God.

In Malachi 3:8-12, the prophet asks one simple question, “Will we rob God by not giving Him our tithes and offerings?”

I have heard it said, “You can tell a lot about a man by the entries in his day timer and his checkbook.” Biblical stewardship is using our time, talents and financial resources to serve God.

Law #6: Worry is sin; we are to trust God.

In Matthew 6:25-34, Christ tells us not to worry about what we will eat or drink, or what we will wear. He reminds us how He feeds the birds of the air and clothes the flowers of the fields. He asked, “Who of you, by worry, can add a single hour to his life?”

Christ reminds us that He will take care of those who “seek first His Kingdom.” Therefore, don’t worry about tomorrow; let tomorrow worry about itself.

Law #7: All things are for our good and God’s glory

In John 9:1-12 we have the story of a man born blind and the question from the disciples, “Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

Christ’s simple answer was, “Neither – this happened so that the work of God might be displayed.” In this story, we see a blind man healed for his good and God’s glory. (See also Romans 8:28-39)

Conclusion

As we reflect on these hard economic times, could it be that God is reaching out for us; could it be that God is saying, “Now that I have your attention, listen to my teaching?” It is in the hard times we learn to put our faith in God. Let me encourage you to spend time with God’s Word today and ask Him how your current situation can be used to draw you close to Him.

Douglas Hollen is the President of Frontline Financial Services, Inc. and is an investment advisor and securities are offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC.