As believers we are very familiar with the biblical principle of stewardship, especially when it comes to money. To be faithful in this many people are prudent in tithing, keeping a budget, saving diligently, and investing wisely with the goal of managing God’s resources responsibly. These practices are foundational and necessary; however, stewardship goes beyond the daily finance decisions we make. Stewardship also includes how we manage our relationships and responsibilities, especially in the home.
One commonly overlooked area of stewardship is financial communication within the family. Just as important as budgeting, is taking time to align with your spouse on the financial matters of the household. If you and your spouse have not discussed your financial matters, it is important to do so. Making sure the cards are on the table regarding all financial matters—including investments, debts, and savings along with goals, dreams, and expectations—is absolutely necessary. Families that are on the same page financially are better positioned to weather life’s uncertainties.
In addition to planning for life’s economic uncertainties, good stewardship includes planning for major life events. It is very common for one spouse to handle the finances completely, while the other remains uninformed about the specifics of the family’s finances. While that may work when everything is well, it can quickly fall apart if the person managing the finances dies or becomes seriously ill. It is important that the remaining spouse knows enough to keep things running. This preparation also applies to estate planning. Having a will or trust and making sure that all responsible parties know their roles and responsibilities is as equally important to stewarding your finances as the daily money management habits you form. Many families get into problems because there isn’t proper direction left after someone passes, and the finances they were stewarding end up doing more harm to the family than good as siblings and relatives fight over the inheritance.
To be faithful in stewarding what God has given you is more than just daily money management. It’s about communicating clearly and preparing for life’s uncertainties that may go beyond an economic slowdown or a drop in income. Doing so will help honor God with the resources he has blessed you with rather than creating tensions and disputes between family members.
