The 8 principles of stewardship

First is the “Who’s In Charge” Principle. This principle says that God’s the owner and I’m just the manager. The question is, If God owns it all, then what am I doing with it? “The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world and those who dwell in it.” (Psalm 24:1)

Second is the “Give and Grow” Principle. This principle says that practicing stewardship produces spiritual growth. Stewardship is God’s way of raising Christians. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

Third is the “Do it Now” Principle. This principle says that stewardship deals with our present resources. The person who waits to do a great deal of good at once will never do anything. “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.” (Luke 16:10)

Fourth is the “Fountain Of Youth” Principle. This principle says that we live forever through our giving. Stewardship is how we invest into eternity. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20)

Fifth is the “Who’s #1” Principle. This principle says that God deserves the first of everything. “Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce; so your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10)

Sixth is the “Cheerful Attitude” Principle. This principle says that stewardship begins with loving, not giving. We can give without loving, but we can not love without giving. “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (Second Corinthians 9:6-7)

Seventh is the “Big Shovel” Principle. This principle says that you cannot out-give God. “Give and it will be given to you. They will pout into your lap a good measure; pressed down, shaken together and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” (Luke 6:38)

Eighth is the “Who Has Who” Principle. This principle says that until God has control of my life, I’m out of control. Stewardship deal with the person, not just the purse. "Therefore, I urge you by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2)