Let me ask you something that might make you squirm a little:
When you think about your money—your paycheck, your bank account, your retirement savings—do you consider it truly yours?
Most of us would never say it out loud, but deep down, we believe it:
“It’s my money. I earned it. I worked for it. I sacrificed for it. I get to decide what happens to it.”
That mindset is not just common—it’s baked into our culture.
From the time we’re young, we’re told, “Work hard. Build wealth. Make smart choices. And one day, you can retire on your terms.”
But there’s a problem with that narrative.
The Biblical Truth About Ownership
In Psalm 24:1, King David writes:
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
That includes the mountains and the oceans, yes.
But it also includes your paycheck, your savings account, your real estate, your business, and your investments.
Deuteronomy 8:18 goes even further:
“Remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”
So not only does God own everything—you wouldn’t even have the ability to earn a dollar if He didn’t give it to you first.
That’s not a guilt trip. That’s a grace bomb.
It means you don’t have to carry the crushing burden of ownership.
You’re not the source—you’re the steward.
The Role of a Steward
A steward is someone who’s been entrusted with something valuable on behalf of someone else.
Think of Joseph in Genesis 39. He was a slave in Potiphar’s house, but Scripture says:
“Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything.”
Joseph didn’t own it, but he managed it well—and God blessed him for it.
When you view your money through the lens of stewardship:
- You stop asking, “How much can I keep?”
And start asking, “Lord, how much would You have me use for Your purposes?” - You stop obsessing over your net worth.
And start caring more about your eternal impact. - You stop fearing loss.
And start trusting the God who never runs out.
A True Story of Surrendered Stewardship
A client once told me, “Eric, I finally had the breakthrough when I changed the label in my budget software from ‘My Money’ to ‘God’s Money.’”
He was a successful business owner, always in control. But he was tired—emotionally, spiritually, financially.
He said, “I was living like a CEO, not a steward. Once I gave the ‘CEO seat’ back to God, everything shifted. I still work hard—but now I sleep better.”
Letting go of ownership didn’t make him passive. It made him purposeful.
The Owner vs. Steward Mindset
| Owner Mentality | Steward Mentality |
| “It’s mine—I earned it.” | “It’s God’s—He entrusted it to me.” |
| “I decide what’s best.” | “I seek God’s will.” |
| “I give when I feel generous.” | “I give because it’s His money.” |
| “I invest for maximum return.” | “I invest for eternal impact.” |
| “I’ll retire when I’m ready.” | “I’ll transition when God leads.” |
Key Takeaway
If God owns it all, then every financial decision becomes a spiritual decision.
Ownership leads to anxiety, pride, or guilt. Stewardship leads to peace, purpose, and freedom.
Next Steps: Reframe the Way You See Your Finances
This week, try the following:
Spend time in prayer and ask:
“Lord, am I managing Your money the way You want me to?”
Review your budget and label it:
‘The Lord’s Money – Managed by [Your Name]’
It might sound silly—but it will change the way you think.
Memorize Psalm 24:1 or tape it to your wallet, checkbook, or investment folder. Let God’s ownership become your daily reminder.
Reassess your financial goals.
Are they about comfort, control, or kingdom?
Final Thought: A Surrendered Wallet Is a Free Heart
The question isn’t “How much should I give to God?”
The real question is: “How much of God’s money should I spend on myself?”
That shift in thinking might feel uncomfortable at first—but over time, it becomes one of the most liberating financial decisions you’ll ever make.
When you stop pretending to be the owner, you start walking in the joy and confidence of a faithful steward.
And that’s a role God delights to bless.
Wherever you are on your financial journey, remember—your money is a tool, not a trophy.
It’s meant to reflect your values, fuel your purpose, and honor God in the process.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. I’m here to walk with you—one wise, faith-filled decision at a time.