Possessions and spiritual accountability

Do you have an attitude? Of course you do. You have a whole set of attitudes that are important because they reflect who you really are.

A proper relationship with God is determined in great measure by attitude. Some people may think that tithing and learning to live on a budget are all that's required to reflect right attitudes about money and stewardship of possessions. These things are very important. However, right attitudes go farther; right attitudes for the Christian must reflect a total commitment to God, and include such things as:

• Listening to the counsel of godly people (especially our spouses)
  
  
• Dealing fairly and honestly with other people,
  
  
• Being humble and grateful, and
  
  
• Forgiving others (including debts that are owed).

"The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever" (1 John 2:17).

God will honor right attitudes when they reflect proper spiritual values through finances.

• Learning to handle money and possessions is one of the most important things we can do for our spiritual growth. The way we use money and "things" reflects the true state of our relationship with God.
  
  
• Whether you have a little or a lot, it is important to learn basic biblical principles of handling what God has provided. It is called stewardship. A steward manages someone else's property. We manage that which belongs to God but that He has provided for us as individuals.
  
  
• God entrusts resources to everyone. Some have been given much for which they are accountable. Others are given little. The level of resources may vary greatly, but the level of accountability is the same: 100 percent. Every one of us is fully accountable to God for how she or he manages the resources God provides.
  
  
• When we understand God's biblical principles, goals, and methods, managing money can be an exciting adventure instead of a confusing problem.
  
  
• So, it's important to learn to be a good manager of our abundance from God. The Bible is full of God's financial priorities and investment philosophies, and they are just as applicable for managing a household as they are for operating a large business or maintaining a sound national economy.

"How blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever" (Psalm 112:1-3).

Click here to read other stewardship articles by Larry Burkett.