In Week 3, we explored God’s part in finances—His ownership, His provision, and His faithfulness. That’s where everything begins. But now comes the natural question: What’s our part?
If God owns it all, what does He expect from us as stewards? The answer isn’t complicated. In fact, it can be summed up in three words: faithfulness, obedience, and trust.
Faithfulness: The Measure God Looks For
When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he described stewardship in its simplest form: “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). Notice he didn’t say “must prove successful.” He didn’t say “must prove wealthy.” He said “faithful.”
Faithfulness is being consistent in doing what God has called you to do with what He has entrusted to you.
- If He’s given you little, faithfulness means managing it well.
- If He’s given you much, faithfulness means stewarding it for His glory.
- If He’s asked you to give, faithfulness means giving with a joyful heart.
Faithfulness is not measured by dollar signs but by devotion.
Think about the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. The master didn’t reward the servant who earned the most; he rewarded the ones who were faithful with what they were given. But the servant who buried his talent out of fear was condemned. Why? Because he was unfaithful.
Obedience: The Test of Stewardship
Faithfulness is the “what” of stewardship. Obedience is the “how.”
Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commands.” Our financial decisions are one of the clearest tests of obedience to God’s commands.
- When He says, “Give generously,” do we obey—or rationalize?
- When He says, “Do not store up treasures on earth,” do we obey—or keep building bigger barns?
- When He says, “Do not exploit or oppress,” do our investments reflect obedience—or compromise?
Obedience often requires sacrifice. Sometimes it means walking away from an opportunity that looks profitable but dishonors God. Other times it means giving when logic says, “You can’t afford it.” Obedience doesn’t always make sense in the world’s eyes—but it always brings blessing in God’s.
Abraham’s obedience in Genesis 22 is a powerful example. God asked him to sacrifice Isaac, the very son He had promised. It made no sense, but Abraham obeyed in faith. At the last moment, God provided a ram, reaffirming His promise. Abraham’s obedience became the gateway to God’s greater blessing.
Our finances may not test us with the same drama, but the principle is the same: obedience opens the door for God’s provision and blessing.
Trust: The Foundation of Faithful Obedience
Faithfulness and obedience are impossible without trust.
Trust is believing that God’s way is better, even when we can’t see the outcome. It’s believing that if we give, He will supply. That if we align our finances with His values, He will take care of the results.
Proverbs 3:5–6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
When I lost my dream house, trust was the hardest lesson to learn. My understanding said, “You’ve failed. You’ve lost. You’ll never recover.” But trust said, “God is still faithful. He owns it all. He will redeem this loss for His glory.”
And He did. That loss became the turning point from rebellion to redemption in my financial story.
Trust doesn’t remove the tension—it redefines it. Instead of fear, trust breeds peace. Instead of striving, trust produces surrender.
An Analogy: The Conductor and the Musician
Think of it like an orchestra. God is the conductor. He holds the score, He sets the tempo, He cues the instruments. Our job is not to take the baton or rewrite the music—it’s to play our part faithfully, obeying the cues, and trusting that He knows the symphony.
When musicians try to take control, chaos ensues. But when each player is faithful to their part, obedient to the conductor’s lead, and trusting in the bigger picture, the result is harmony.
Stewardship works the same way. Faithfulness, obedience, and trust bring harmony between our finances and God’s purposes.
A True Story: The Widow’s Faithful Gift
I once met a widow who lived on a very modest fixed income. By the world’s standards, she had almost nothing. Yet every month, without fail, she set aside money to support missionaries.
One day I asked her why she was so committed to giving when she had so little. She smiled and said, “Because everything I have is God’s. If He gave me more, I’d give more. But for now, this is my part. And I trust Him to take care of me.”
That woman was a living example of faithfulness, obedience, and trust. Her giving wasn’t about the amount—it was about her heart. And I have no doubt that her faithfulness will echo into eternity.
Living in the Assurance of God’s Call
Here’s the truth: God isn’t asking us to be wealthy, brilliant, or perfect. He’s asking us to be faithful. He’s asking us to obey. And He’s asking us to trust.
When you live this way, the burden of money shifts. It’s no longer about striving for success—it’s about stewarding for significance. It’s no longer about building wealth for yourself—it’s about aligning resources for His kingdom.
And the best part? When we do our part, God takes care of the rest.
What I Want You to Remember
- God requires faithfulness, not success.
- Obedience in finances is one of the clearest tests of love for Him.
- Trust is the foundation that makes faithfulness and obedience possible.
- Stewardship is about harmony—playing our part under God’s direction.
Faithfulness. Obedience. Trust. These three words define our part in stewardship. They are not burdens—they are invitations. Invitations to live with open hands, to follow God’s commands, and to rest in His promises.
And when we live this way, our money stops reflecting rebellion and begins to reflect redemption.