“While biblical principles will result in financial health–which may mean having more–wealth is never a biblical motivation. Financial stewardship is about a life of worship.”
Jon Wiebe, president and CEO of the MB Foundation as quoted by Myra Holmes, a writer and friend who attends Trailhead Church where my family worships. To read the full article, visit: “Discipleship is Putting our Money where our Mouth is” in Christian Leader, July/August 2014, 20-22.
This is a great article, and a must-read if you are responsible for stewardship instruction in your church. Drawing on insights from Wiebe, Holmes thoughtfully shares what’s working in inspiring Christian generosity while unashamedly voicing concerns related to some pretty popular stewardship tools.
She specifically brings to light how many boxed programs that teach financial principles actually stray from the Scriptures and promote things like building wealth when Jesus explicitly instructs us otherwise. She also keenly notes how Wiebe emphasized the motivational danger associated with such thinking.
Responsible stewardship results in financial health and may take the form of material blessing; however, amassing wealth must never be our motivation. Instead let us worship and glorify God by enjoying and sharing His spiritual and material blessings all around!