The Foundation of Financial Stewardship

In Daily Devotional by Steven Sukkau

Bible Verse: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 NIV)

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 3:9-10; 1 Timothy 6:17-19

In today’s world, money is often a source of stress and conflict, yet it’s also an inescapable part of life.

Thankfully, the Bible offers deep wisdom on how to handle finances in a way that honors God and brings peace to our souls.

Our journey begins with setting the proper foundation: seeking God first.

Matthew 6:33 reminds us that our primary focus should be on God’s Kingdom and His righteousness. When we prioritize God in our lives, including our financial decisions, He doesn’t necessarily promise we’ll become fabulously wealthy but assures us that we’ll have everything we need (Philippians 4:19).

When Jesus says, “…all these things will be given to you as well,” the key here is “will be.” Christ’s followers still experienced unmet needs at times, but they were not anxious; instead, they looked forward to how God would show up.

It’s a lifestyle that nurtures a posture of hope and submission to God.

It’s not that seeking financial comfort and safety is evil; rather, the temptation to trust in material resources for your ultimate comfort can pull your eyes off Christ.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Please take this cup from me,” knowing the pain associated with sacrifice. But ultimately, His desire to submit to God’s will superseded His own safety.

Even in the face of death, Jesus sought God’s Kingdom first: “Yet not my will, but yours be done” (Matthew 26:39).

Honoring God with our finances starts with recognizing that everything we have comes from Him. We are stewards of the resources He has entrusted us with, not owners. As stewards, we are called to manage these resources wisely and in a way that honors God.

As we go through this week, we will explore various aspects of financial stewardship, including giving, saving, avoiding debt, and being content with what we have.

Each day will build upon this initial foundation of seeking God’s guidance and wisdom in our financial lives.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to seek You first in all areas of my life, including my finances. Teach me to be a faithful steward of the resources You have entrusted to me. Guide my decisions and help me to honor You with my money. Amen.

Reflection: How can you prioritize seeking God’s Kingdom in your financial decisions this week?


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About
Steven Sukkau
Steven Sukkau is a writer, journalist and radio broadcaster living on the Canadian prairies with his wife, two daughters and hyperactive terrier.
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Steven Sukkau
Steven Sukkau is a writer, journalist and radio broadcaster living on the Canadian prairies with his wife, two daughters and hyperactive terrier.