Why We Have To Talk About Money

At Zebulon Baptist Church, we're currently in the middle of a series on stewardship, finances, & generosity. Talking about stewardship, especially the financial aspect of it, is always an awkward conversation, but we've got to have it. In fact when you think about it, some of the most awkward conversations you've ever had were also some of the most important. As pastors, ministry leaders, & just as brothers & sisters in Christ, we have to talk about money. We just have to.

"Stewardship Is Bigger Than Just Our Finances, 

But It Often Hinges On Our Finances."

Scripture makes it crystal clear that we're stewards of our entire life, not just our physical, material blessings. We're stewards of this world, our bodies, our relationships, our opportunities, & yes, our stuff. God isn't trying to take your stuff; He's trying to win your heart. However, how we honor God with our stuff often reflects whether He really has our hearts. In order to fight to keep our hearts surrendered to our Heavenly Father, we have to fight the urge to trust in & chase after the things of this world. We have to talk about money because...

• Money makes promises it can't keep
• Financial problems tear families apart
• When you love or chase after stuff, there's never enough
• Your life is bigger than your bank account
• Eternal things are more valuable than temporary toys

These are all things we know are true, but we often live as if these truths don't apply to us. We think we can somehow be the exception, but along the way we surrender our hearts to our stuff. As we seek to grow in faithful stewardship, our first priority is to surrender our lives & hearts to Jesus. However, we literally can't afford to disconnect that from the day to day practical implications of what it means to completely & totally surrender your life to Jesus. Surrender means total, unconditional submission.

Stewardship is bigger than our finances, but it often hinges on our finances. That means we have to be intentional in guarding our hearts from the pull of this world. We do that by being rich in good deeds & generosity toward God & others. How can you combat the greed that lurks in all of our hearts by generously blessing those around you & investing in God's Kingdom?