“Most of the stress, worry and anxiety in our lives is caused by a failure to exercise good stewardship.” – Robert Morris
In his book, The Blessed Life, Robert Morris inspires Christians to trust God in regard to financial obedience.
Giving to God first always requires faith. Seeing if you will have enough takes faith out of the equation.
A tithe in scripture was also known as the first fruits – the best of the flock and the best of the grain. The first portion is the redemptive portion. In Morris’ words, “the rest is redeemed.”
Giving to God right off the top of your finances each month makes a difference. But good stewardship isn’t limited to finances. Time is equally important.
Being in worship the first day of the week is giving God the first block of time for your week. I don’t know how many times I have heard believers talk about how difficult the week is when they have missed church. It’s almost like we forget what day it is; get out of sorts; and become ingrown, grumpy and visionless.
I don’t like calendars that begin the week on Monday. Those who consider Monday to be the start of the week are putting their first fruits of time into work, making money, and the marketplace. All good things, but hollow as the primary goal in life.
Other people can’t wait until Friday and the weekend. Folks who feel like life begins on the weekend may be tempted to put their first fruits of money and time into recreation.
Christians meet together on Sunday to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus each week. Instilling the habit of weekly worship into your life will definitely increase your peace in life.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
I once heard this quote: “The more you miss church, the less you miss church.” If we get into the habit of not going, we may forget why we need to go and become totally out.
Good stewardship of both money and time is important. It reminds us that God is God and we are his children. It puts our problems and temptations into perspective. It gives us a kingdom view and helps us to see the world as God sees it.
From a practical standpoint, good stewardship in our lives reduces stress and anxiety.
God didn’t invite us to give generously of our time, talents, and money so that we would become crushed in a scarcity mindset. He invites us to live that way because it is immensely freedom-filled and life-giving.
Giving to God is more about life than law.
We gladly give our tithe, our first portion, to God because we want him to know he is first in our lives. And as we do, we are blessed, provided for, and protected. We are God’s people.
Christians, don’t miss the blessing of trusting God fully with your finances and time.
These two simple truths, continuing through all of scripture, will add an indescribable balance to your life. Committing to these aspects of good stewardship will curb your stress and anxiety.