“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10

They say that money is one of the most valuable things in this world — it is an essential commodity that can be used to buy, choose or to exchange goods that every man needs. However, managing finances is a difficult and complicated task for everyone and if you are not careful in your views about your money and possessions, it can lead you to a big mistake. But, as a Christian, God taught us many things in the Bible and we all have the privilege to manage our finances well with the help of our Lord.

Here are some tips on how to be a good steward of God’s given resources in your life.

Ask God for help and wisdom to handle your finances well.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” – Proverbs 9:10

Our God is full of wisdom and knowledge, and we all need that wisdom to make great decisions in life including our finances. “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6.  So, don’t hesitate to ask Him in prayer and surely He will give you wisdom to direct your paths. Remember, He is a bountiful God and He will give what you ask and what you need. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5

Set your priorities and goals in life.

“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” – Proverbs 21:5

List down all your expenses such as house rent/mortgage, groceries, automobile mortgage, gas, utilities, electric bills, tithes, offerings and savings to help you manage your finances and your priorities. “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” – Proverbs 29:18 Also, writing down all your life or financial goals in a journal or planner is a great advantage — it will serve as a reminder of what you are trying to achieve and to commit to achieving them. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Luke 12:34

Give your tithes and offering to the Lord.

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” – Malachi 3:10

This Bible passage tells us to bring our tithes and offering to His Kingdom — to fulfill this commandment we should give our offering and tithes/one-tenth of our income to our local church or pastor. “A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” – Leviticus 27:30.  It is also our way to honor God and to recognize Him for giving us the strength to go to work every day and for His unending provisions. “From what you have, take an offering for the Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering of gold, silver and bronze.” – Exodus 35:5

Pay your bills and taxes on time.

“Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” – Romans 13:7

To be a good steward of God’s given resources, you should pay your bills on time, including taxes, mortgage, utilities, etc. to avoid interest or late payment fees — it will also give you a good credit standing that can be a  good example for the unbelievers. “…Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” – Matthew 22:21 Thus, if you are having a hard time remembering all your due dates — consider writing it in a journal or notebook to track and record your expenses. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” – Romans 13:1

Avoid debt as much as possible.

“For the Lord your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you.” – Deuteronomy 15:6

Differentiate your needs from wants and avoid impulse buying that will lead you to debt. Pay in cash as much as possible and be wise in spending your money. “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” – Proverbs 22:7

“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” – Romans 13:8

Be contented with what you have.

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5

Contentment is the true state of satisfaction and happiness in life. So, be contented with what you have and do not strive to be rich — it can take you away from the presence of the Lord.  “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” – 1 Timothy 6:10

Remember, material things are all temporary and it will tarnish and perish, but the Word of God will remain forever. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” – Matthew 6:19 Thus, simplify your life as much as possible; focus on serving God and storing up treasures in heaven by doing good deeds to others. “If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.” – Job 36:11