Six Steps to Godly Stewardship

1. What does Jesus have to say about money?

Read and pray about some of the passages in the Bible concerning money. You might want to look at Matthew 6: 19-34, Luke 12:13-21, Luke 16: 19-31, 2 Corinthians 9: 6-11, Philippians 4:12-13 and 1 Timothy 6:6-10. What does scripture have to say about money-both positive and negative?

2. Examine your conscience.

Ask yourself, 'How much does money dominate my thinking? Do I fear living without money? Do I love money more than I love my family or the Lord? Do my possessions or my income cause me to think I am better or worse than other people?'

3. Build your personal philosophy on money.

Commit yourself to developing your gifts and talents to the fullest. If necessary, make a plan to get out of debt and to begin a regular savings program. Commit yourself to giving as generously as you can to your parish and to a ministry which serves the outcasts of society.

4. Invite Jesus to help you make your decisions.

When you make your decisions, do not rely on reason and logic alone and do not let money be the only factor in your decisions. Pray and ask Jesus to help you make your major financial decisions, like the purchase of a house or a car, or your children's education.

5. Treat everyone equally.

Do not give more favoured treatment to those who have money. Treat everyone with respect and proper dignity. That's the way God looks at us.

6. Be generous.

Give as much of your money as you feel you can to those in need. Go through your home and see what extras or leftovers you can donate to the poor. Let your generosity extend also to your family and friends. Treat a neighbour to lunch. Buy a small gift for your spouse. Remember, God blesses our generosity with heavenly treasures.

-Taken from, 'The Word Among Us' Sept 2000.

For more information on debt and personal finance, do read this book 'Personal Assets and Finance' by Koh Seng Kee, available from the NUS Central Library Co-op.