Building a Bigger Table Through Gift Stewardship

LCEF Chaplain untangles what it means when we remember everything we have comes from God

Financial responsibilities—taxes, mortgages, childcare and more—require careful decisions about where money goes. Rev. Ron Roma, LCEF’s chaplain, illustrates what it means when we remember that it is all God’s money.

What Belongs to God?

All the time we have on the earth, Rev. Roma notes, is His, not ours. In 1 Timothy 6:7, Scripture clarifies that “we brought nothing into this world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” All things we have are His gifts.

Those gifts include time, talents, energy and money—all of which we utilize in our vocations.

Each one of these gifts is from God and can be used to support mission-forward ministries. Doing so transcends the concerns of having enough money to also pay taxes, sustain our family and more. In sharing our gifts, added Rev. Roma, we are called to “[trust] God that He takes care of His people.” As part of His people, you are included in that promise.

Stewardship is not a law, but a responsibility to look beyond ourselves into the mission we have as God’s people.

Love God First, Then Your Neighbor

Responsible financial stewardship is in keeping with His promise to care for us. Rev. Roma reminds readers to “trust the Promise Keeper,” whose care begins with those closest to us: the people who are sitting at our table.

Loving our neighbor extends beyond those seated at our physical kitchen table. Out of that love we have for our neighbor comes the commitment to provide whatever we can for them. Even if we are unable to reach neighbors directly, we can support the people
who drive the ministries that serve
those neighbors.

Whether through churches, schools or outreach ministries, supporting those who serve is a meaningful way to love our neighbors and help build a larger table where everyone has a place among God’s cherished people.

If we remember it’s all God’s money, “The vision is twofold,” Rev. Roma explains. The first is fulfilling our responsibility
as God’s people to glorify God with our gifts.

The second is to reach people with the Gospel that we may not be able to meet personally. “Through ministry support,” concludes Rev. Roma, “we can still be the hands and the feet, the voice—the proclaimers—through people that are doing the work of God personally and interpersonally, intimately in the love
of Christ.”

Writing Your Will: 3 Reasons to Stop Waiting

Another way to steward your gifts is to plan for how those gifts are treated after you pass away. Regardless of your season of life (working, retired, married, parenting, etc.), now is the time to start thinking about the future for those you’ll one day leave behind.
Download a free Estate Planning Guide today.

Clarity Reduces Conflict

A will and other key documents give clear guidance about who gets what, who is in charge and how decisions should be made. This helps avoid disagreements and delays in court.

Get the right care during crisis

Health care and financial powers of attorney allow a trusted person to act on your behalf if you can’t. This helps family members honor your wishes during stressful times.

Leave more than possessions

Planning ahead lets you care for your family and support the ministries that matter to you, so you can pass on both your valuables as well as your values.