“…He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 Biblical stewardship involves the faithful managing of God’s Kingdom. All that we are, all that we have, and all that we do should be viewed from this sense of stewardship. Our lives have been purchased by Jesus Christ and His work on the Cross. We are God’s servants and how we use that which we have (mind, will, possessions, money) is how we steward for God’s Kingdom. Author Lynn A. Miller says “Stewardship is the act of organizing your life so that God can spend you.”

Often times God’s people see stewardship from either guilt or pride. While those who have a feeling of guilt often give out of unbiblical compulsion, God tells us to purpose in our hearts and lay aside each week as we prosper (1st Corinthians 16:1-2) for the support of the local ministry we belong to. And on the other hand, there is a temptation to feel a sense of pride when we have made a commitment to adding our finances to that which we steward for God.

So, the path to Spirit-led stewardship involves understanding the Grace of God. God’s Grace is His divine influence in our lives. His transformation is from the inside all the way out to our day to day living. God’s Grace causes us to understand the importance of prayer, holiness, service, and fellowship. God’s Grace works in the Fruit of The Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). And God’s Grace causes us to see the importance of faithful stewardship. The Bible tells us to abound in this Grace of giving (2nd Corinthians 8:9) as well as the rest of our spiritual life with God.