Becoming Like God...In His Honor (3 of 3)

After having posted on both time and money regarding the Discipline of Stewardship, today's post will provide a few thoughts toward application.

On our JOURNEY this week, the letter is R for Revere. We show God we trust Him, respect Him, revere Him, and worship Him by being good stewards of what He has given. As we use our time and money wisely, we show God how important He is to us and that we realize what we have is truly His.

So what is the next step as it related to stewardship? First, let me tweak our question for this series to make it about stewardship:

If your growth in godliness were measured by how you spend your time or how you give you money, what would be the result?

So what's the next step in Becoming Like God? INVEST – in Kingdom work – with your time and your treasure.

Again, this series is entitled Becoming Like God. People invested in the stock market always want to know the latest hot stock, or tip for good returns. Well, if we are to be like God, then we should invest where He invests. Our investments should be in and for the Kingdom. God invites us to join Him. He modeled what it means to give – by giving His Son for us. And now He asks for our lives in return. So, specifically, what can you do as it relates to stewardship? Well, we return to our 4L's – Learn, Live, Love, and Lead – to provide potential next steps for each of us. Again, consider where you are in your stewardship RIGHT NOW. And let the Spirit lead you to what you might next do.

LEARN

• Time:  Record for one week how you spend your time. This is similar to the Learn from Worship – try to determine your areas of focus.
• Money: Record for one month how you spend your money. There is no right or wrong at this point – just recording it.

LIVE

• Time: Invest in Kingdom work at least once each day. Help someone, call to encourage, pray for someone, etc.
• Money: Invest in Kingdom work little by little. If you can't give 10%, start with 1% and increase every 3 months until you are at 10% and then see where to go from there. Don't worry about the Gross/Net debate either (start with Net and move from there). Remember God wants you, but you can show Him you trust Him by what you do with your money.

LOVE

• Time:  Make a plan to study and to serve Him daily. Perhaps your service for each day might stem from what you study.
• Money: Give joyfully. Smile, even laugh while writing your check or preparing your cash and while passing the offering plate. Let others see Jesus in your giving!

LEAD

• Time: Commit to spending time with others helping them to make investments in Kingdom work.
• Money: Share the effects of your reaping with others. Help them to understand how God has blessed you as an encouragement for them to begin giving of their money as well.

*This series of posts is adapted from Donald Whitney's book, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life.