Lasting Treasures: Biblical Financial Wisdom for Familiesಮಾದರಿ

Stewardship: Managing God's Resources Together

Reflection

True stewardship begins with the recognition that everything we have belongs to God. As couples, embracing this principle transforms how we manage our resources and the lessons we teach our children about ownership, or better still, stewardship.

The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) provides an excellent teaching opportunity for families. God entrusts us with resources—money, time, abilities, possessions. He expects us to be faithful in the way we manage them rather than model a posture of fearful hoarding or reckless spending. In this parable, two servants invested wisely while one buried his talent out of fear. Similarly, some families operate from fear (excessive saving), others from negligence (impulsive spending), and some waste money out of ‘what others might think’ (cultural pressure ) while Kingdom-minded families prayerfully steward resources for God's purposes.

Another important aspect is the calling to Work. Work itself is part of stewardship. Many parents miss opportunities to teach children that work isn't merely for self-provision but contributes to God's world. When parents view their careers as Kingdom vocations rather than just jobs, children develop a biblical perspective on work's purpose. Now, it is true that the meaning of work has been distorted because of our sin (greed, etc.) but it’s important to note that work came before sin came. Work matters and it is a big part of stewarding human dignity, creativity and productivity.

Respond to God

Lord, I acknowledge that everything I have comes from You and ultimately belongs to You. Forgive me for the times I've acted as an owner rather than a steward. Free me from fear that leads to hoarding and from negligence that leads to waste. Give me the wisdom to manage the resources You've entrusted to me in ways that honor You and advance Your Kingdom.

Reinforce

• Create age-appropriate chores that teach responsibility and contribution to family wellbeing.
• Give children practice managing money through allowances divided into spending, saving, and giving categories. My wife used to have three boxes for our three kids (the spending box, the saving box and the giving box).
• Include children in some family financial discussions, explaining how you allocate resources for needs, wants, and giving.
• Celebrate work as God-ordained and purposeful, not just a necessary burden.
• As a couple, regularly review your family budget through the lens of stewardship: "Are we managing God's resources in ways that honor Him?"