G.K. Chesterton, an English apologetics writer in the early 1900s stated, “Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found and not tried.” Stew on that quote for a minute.
This has quickly become one of my favorite quotes because I think it accurately describes much of the church today and specifically as it relates to stewardship. I believe God is crying out to each one of us to fully trust and commit to Him our time, talent and treasure. Why? Because it’s what’s best for us. No, not “to pay the church bills” or “to follow a specific rule” but because if we grasp this life, we will experience joy, peace and purpose that we’ve always wanted. Our intimacy with God will grow so deep and wide that we will never want to return to the old ways. It’s the way we were created to live!
Transformation
Romans 12:1-2 states, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” This is a call to complete surrender and sacrifice, yet Christianity has become merely going to church, praying every now and then and volunteering when and where it’s comfortable and works within our schedule.
Being transformed is what God calls us to in Romans 12. This transformation happens by “renewing our minds,” not by simply following rules like attending church on Sunday or giving 10 percent. Chip Ingram explains in Living on the Edge that this transformation is a relational process, not behavior modification. He says, “The paradigm shifts from trying to be good by controlling your behavior to expressing your love by trusting in His promises.”
Have you ever thought about it this way? When tempted to hoard or hold back from God, we can say, “Lord, You love me so much. I trust Your guidance and will follow it because I love You.” This approach is far better than saying, “God says I can’t, or shouldn’t, or should!” and then feeling guilt because we cannot do it in our own strength.
Aligning with God’s Perspective
So, how do we renew our minds? How do can we change our thinking about stewardship, so our perspective aligns with God’s? How can a church do this? Chip Ingram shares these five methods in Living on the Edge (page 90-91):
- Hear God’s Word – “Consequently, faith comes by hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” Romans 10;17
- Read God’s Word – Blessed is the one who reads the words of prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take heart what is written, because the time is near.” Revelation 1:3
- Study God’s Word – “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 1 Timothy 2:15
- Memorize God’s Word – “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:9,11
- Meditate on God’s Word – “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything that is written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8
Spiritual Walk
Pray for God to work through you, your church, the pastoral staff, and elders to disciple others in stewardship through these methods. Stewardship isn’t “just one area” of our spiritual walk—it’s the foundation of it. Everything we are and do for Christ connects back to stewardship. It’s at the core of living a life completely surrendered to God.
How about you? Have you been a recipient of God’s Church living out their faith like this? If you would like to talk with someone about this, contact us here.