Biblical Basis
It's easy to read the Old Testament and understand that a tithe (AKA 10%) was expected of everything. For generations people have argued that it doesn't apply in New Testament living. Here's 5 passages to read. You connect the dots and see that we are to continue in this grace of giving!
Passages: Leviticus 27, Malachi 3, 2 Corinthians 8-9, Genesis 14, Hebrews 7
Growing in Stewardship
Our Rooted in God's Love formational goals range all the way from "I know all things belong to God" to "I am investing in the global church with my time and treasures." As usual, quite a range. However, also note that one can't simply start giving money to foreign missionaries and be rooted in stewardship. It's a process of growth and requires much more than some of your money.
While I am for from an expert on this myself, here are some other resources that can push you to grow in this area:
Contagious Generosity by Barry Cameron
Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
The ABC's of Financial Freedom by Barry Cameron
Proverbs: Wealth - A Sermon by Mark Driscoll
DISCLAIMER: I'm not saying any of these resources have the ideas of stewardship perfected, but they have been partners on my journey, so I offer them to you hoping you can use them wisely as well! Be a good STEWARD!
Some Practical First Steps
- Step back and check if what you're giving is still a tithe. Those cost of living raises or extra side jobs add up fast!
- Do an evaluation of all your resources. Are there resources that could be finding a purpose in God's Kingdom that aren't being used? Make a list of things you can use to enhance the kingdom.
- Check your schedule. Our responsibility to manage our time well is stewardship. Are you wasting time that could be focused on something more productive? Are you giving God space to work in your schedule or are you manhandling it with the things you want?
Taking Root,
Blake
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