By Colin Chance, December 8, 2023

The difference between an ownership and a stewardship worldview has profound implications for how Christians manage their wealth. Tension exists between viewing oneself as the owner of assets versus a role as a steward, which shapes our financial decisions. 

In Leviticus, God instructs the Israelites on giving: “Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord” (27:30 ESV). This command provides a starting point for understanding the Christian’s responsibility toward their resources. Additionally, Proverbs emphasizes the importance of honoring the Lord with our wealth and the first fruits of our produce. “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10).

Let’s look at the ownership perspective. It sees individuals as controllers of their assets, able to determine how much to save, spend, give, and invest. While it may align with the practice of tithing and giving of first fruits, there’s a risk of compartmentalizing finances, viewing the remaining 90% as exclusively personal. This mindset can lead to a lack of stewardship over the entirety of one’s financial life.

On the contrary, the stewardship viewpoint presents a different paradigm. Here, Christians acknowledge that 100% of their income, savings, and assets belong to the true owner – God. Instead of starting with the question of what to do with 10%, believers seek God’s direction for using all their financial resources. This approach transforms how we view our wealth, shifting from ownership to faithful stewardship.

Being stewards means that we consider more than just giving a portion of our income; it’s a holistic surrender of our financial lives to God. It prompts us to ask, “What does God desire for the entirety of our resources?” This perspective fosters a mindset of gratitude and dependence, recognizing that what we have is ultimately entrusted to us by God.

The biblical approach to investing transcends mere financial strategies. It challenges us to honor God with all our wealth, recognizing the privilege and responsibility of being entrusted with resources that ultimately belong to Him.