Also take a look at whom or what your money was invested in. Was it time with family, saving for retirement, or a new car? Was your spending in line with the purposes God has given you?

Finally, review what you did well. Celebrate those positives and decide what you need to improve going forward. Plan to do this every year and you will be surprised at the positives effects this has on your ability to be a good steward.

Have No Anxiety...

Do not worry if this seems overwhelming at first. You can do it with the right kind of help. Thankfully, God tells us that He will provide the wisdom and guidance we need, whether it be directly through Him or through one of His servants. "For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:6)

Once you have been through this process, you will find it becomes much easier to repeat as an on-going discipline. The real challenge is establishing the right kind of habits to help you grow and become a better steward.

"To the man who pleases Him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind." (Ecclesiastes 2:26) This verse is an excellent reminder that God will bless and provide for us as we seek Him. However, if we are not seeking to please Him first, we will ultimately fail in doing anything that has real value.

Remember this verse and let God guide you as you seek to understand the purpose He has for your life. Approach your investing and financial plans with this purpose in mind and God will take care of the rest.
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ⁱ "The Call by Os Guinness," available through the Trinity Forum (www.ttf.org) - is an effective resource to assist you in discovering God's will for your life.


The National Planning Group of Ronald Blue & Co. is a unique division within RB&Co. that serves the everyday steward - For more information you can visit their website:  www.everydaysteward.com.