July Mental Health Tip of the Month

I Want More!

In today’s society, we’re always looking for more…more money, a bigger house, a newer vehicle, a bigger ministry, more recognition, a better job, more _____________(fill in the blank). God’s word says that when we are trustworthy with the little that we have, then we will be trusted with more. We have to be good stewards of what we already have and be grateful for those things if we ever want the blessing of more. In Philippians 4:12 NIV Paul states, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” In Zechariah 4:10 NLT it says, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin...” Being content where we are, grateful for what we have, and not despising small beginnings prepares us to be entrusted with more.

Financial Stewardship

Having a lot of debt and worrying over finances can create a lot of stress. Good stewardship of those finances can reduce a lot of strife in marriages and reduce stress in our overall life. When we begin with tithing, God will help us to get our finances in order. Tithing is giving God back 10% of the wealth that He has given to us, whether that’s back to the church or to a ministry. Getting out of debt as quickly as possible reduces a lot of our worrying and can free up money for other things.

We need to prioritize our spending…spend wisely, save prudently, invest wisely, and give generously. In order to spend wisely, we must prioritize our needs versus our wants and not spend more than we make. It’s important to try and save money as well for those unexpected repairs or job losses. Investing can be a way to plan for retirement. Giving generously (even above the tithe) can help others in need or help with building the Kingdom. You can’t outgive God! In Luke 6:38 NIV it says, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Stewarding Possessions

Stewarding what we already have, whether that’s our home, vehicle, property, etc. is extremely important. We are to take good care of those things. We can be good stewards by keeping them clean, free from trash and in good working order. Clutter in our homes, vehicles or on our property looks and feels very chaotic which can create a lot of anxiety and overwhelming feelings. Cleaning, cutting the grass and doing repairs may not be fun and exciting but doing so creates feelings of accomplishment and reduces anxiety. Getting into a clean vehicle or walking into a clean house at the end of a long day can create some peace instead of seeing them as more things that need to be done. It can be easier to keep up with things if you take a few extra seconds to put things back where you got them from, throw something away, rinse something out, or wipe something down. A few extra seconds can create less clean up later and it won’t appear so overwhelming.

Giftings/Calling Stewardship

We are all given gifts and have a calling/purpose on our life. Some of us are able to work in our giftings and callings. Whether we’re in a ministry calling or working a job outside of our callings, we are still required to do everything with excellence and integrity. Our giftings should be used and not squandered. They should be used for the right purposes. God has given us specific gifts to build His Kingdom and He wants us to use them. 1 Peter 4:10 NIV says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” We were not given our gifts for selfish purposes but to serve others. If you don’t know how you are supposed to use your gifts or what your calling/purpose is, spend some quiet time with God and ask Him, He will reveal that to you.

Conclusion

No matter what we’re entrusted with, we need to be good stewards…especially if we want to be entrusted with more. However, more should not be our entire focus. In Matthew 6:19-20 NIV it states, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” We should be good stewards of earthly treasures and heavenly treasures! God knows what we need, when we need it and how much we need in order to steward those things well. If we will seek Him first, He will add what we need. Matthew 6:33 ESV, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Steward well my brothers and sisters! 

• Reference: Jeremiah, D. (2020). Forward: Discovering God’s Presence and Purpose in Your Tomorrow. Nashville, Tennessee: W. Publishing.