Our ministry is a stewardship ministry. That means that we help families and individuals respond well to the truth that God owns all things. Even the name of this blog reflects the drum that we beat on a regular basis. In Psalms 24: 1-2 we see that

The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it. For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.

We spend most of our time around here talking with folks about the principle that because God owns it all we should be positioning ourselves as managers (stewards) of God’s (not our) resources. Practically, this shows up in budgeting, saving, investing and generosity.

So, this morning as I was reading through Psalms 24, I was surprised when I looked at the verses immediately following the ones listed above. Pick up in verse three

3 Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. 5 He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior. 6    Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob.

Seems David when faced with the truth of God’s sovereign rule over all, he asks a different question. He asks, “How do I get closer to Him”. Who can ascend to top of the hill to stand before Him in His holy place? He then answers the question with a resounding re-affirmation that it is the holy man who can stand. A man (woman) with clean hands and a pure heart, who is a worshiper of God only and a person of truth. This kind of person is surely to be blessed by He who sits on the throne.

Maybe the blessing of the Lord does not come from managing stuff effectively but rather humbling yourself before Him in holiness. Maybe, just maybe, the missing part of stewardship is not the resolve to be a better manager but holiness before our Creator. We see Him in His greatness and we submit in humility. Holiness may be the missing ingredient in God-centered Stewardship.

Oh that we would be a generation of folks who seek the face of the God of Jacob.

Tim Howington is Executive Vice President for Freedom 5:one and is one of our Financial Life Coaches.  He lives with his wife Terri and son Josh in Rogers Arkansas.