Living Intentionally: A Journey of Stewardship
Stewardship goes beyond money – it’s about living a life that reflects God’s purpose in everything we do. Whether it’s how we spend time, manage talents, or use financial resources, intentional living calls us to align every part of our lives with God’s plan. But how can we go beyond the basics of giving and truly embrace the abundant life God has called us to?
Recently, in an episode of Rewrite Your Story, I had the honor of sitting down with Stephen and Charlene to discuss these questions in depth. We analyzed what it means to be intentional with the resources entrusted to us by God, how to find joy in giving, and why having a teachable spirit is key to discovering your purpose.
If you’ve ever felt confused about where or how to give, or if you’re looking to bring more intentionality into your daily life, this episode is for you. Join us as we discuss practical steps for living with purpose and examine how stewardship can impact not just your life, but generations to come.
During the podcast, these are the key principles we reviewed:
Defining Stewardship: More Than Just Money
One of the biggest misconceptions about stewardship is that it only involves money. In the podcast episode, we break down this narrow view and explore the deeper, more comprehensive meaning of stewardship. Stewardship is about managing all the resources God has placed in your hands—this includes your finances, your time, talents, and relationships as well.
During our conversation, I shared how so many people—myself included, at one point—have been conditioned to think of stewardship as simply tithing or financial giving. But true stewardship goes far beyond writing a check on Sunday. It’s about being intentional in how you live every day, recognizing that everything you have is from God and must be managed wisely, whether it’s your career, your skills, or even the time you spend encouraging someone at the grocery store.
We also talked about what it means to live as an “authorized wealth distributor,” a concept that transforms the way you see your role in God’s plan. It’s not about how much you have—it’s about how you use what you’ve been given.
The Importance of a Teachable Spirit: Unlocking God’s Purpose
Another vital concept we discussed in this episode is the importance of having a teachable spirit. No matter where you are in life—whether you’re at a crossroads, struggling with uncertainty, or feeling like you’ve already achieved success—being open to God’s leading is essential for living a life of true purpose.
I shared a powerful story during the podcast about a businessman who attended one of my stewardship seminars. He had just sold his company and was ready to leave the business world behind for full-time ministry. But after spending time learning about the principles of stewardship, he realized God had different plans for him. Instead of entering ministry right away, he felt called to return to business with a renewed purpose: to generate resources that could bless others.
Over the next decade, he gave away millions to causes that aligned with God’s mission—transforming his own life, and countless others.
Marketplace Ministry and the Role of an Authorized Wealth Distributor
One of the most fascinating ideas we explore in this episode is the concept of marketplace ministry—the idea that your business or career can be just as much a platform for ministry as traditional church work.
Many people think that to serve God, they need to leave the secular world behind and enter full-time ministry. But what if God has positioned you right where you are for a reason? What if your business, job, or skills are part of His plan to bless others?
In the podcast, I introduce the idea of becoming an Authorized Wealth Distributor. It’s a unique perspective that sees every believer as a steward, responsible for managing and distributing the resources God provides, whether that’s financial wealth, talents, or time. This differs from traditional ministry models, where the focus is often on pastors or church leaders. Instead, marketplace ministry empowers every believer to serve God wherever they are—in the boardroom, on the job site, or in the community.
One example I shared is of a businessman who realized that his ability to generate wealth wasn’t just for personal gain—it was a gift from God meant to be used for His kingdom. By embracing his role as an Authorized Wealth Distributor, he was able to give millions to charitable causes while also mentoring others in the business world to do the same.
So, what about you? Could your work and resources be a part of God’s bigger plan? I encourage you to think about how you can use your career or business to serve a greater purpose.
The Joy of Giving: Reflecting God’s Heart
There’s a unique joy that comes from giving—a kind of fulfillment that mirrors God’s own generous nature. In the podcast, we discuss how giving achieves more than helping others, it also shapes our own hearts to reflect God’s love.
The Bible calls us to be cheerful givers, and there’s a reason for that. When we give joyfully, it’s as if we are aligning ourselves with God’s character, embracing His calling to pour out blessings on others.
Practical Steps for Wise Giving: Making Your Resources Count
In this episode, we also get into the practical side of giving—how to be intentional and wise with the resources God has entrusted to you. Giving extends beyond generosity; it’s about stewardship, which means being thoughtful about where and how you give. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of causes asking for support, but being a good steward means taking the time to evaluate the best places for your resources to go.
During the podcast, I shared a checklist from my book that helps guide this decision-making process. The checklist includes important questions to ask yourself and the organizations you’re considering supporting. Are they using their resources wisely? Do their values align with yours? What kind of accountability do they offer for how donations are spent? These questions help ensure that your giving isn’t just a quick fix to ease guilt but a lasting contribution to something meaningful.
Daily Habits for Intentional Living: Start Each Day with Purpose
Living a life of intentional stewardship doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built on the small, daily habits that shape your mindset and actions. In the podcast, I share one of the most powerful yet simple habits that can completely transform the way you approach life and stewardship: start each day by putting God in charge.
Every morning, I begin with a simple prayer: “God, You’re in control. What do You want me to do today?” This habit helps set the tone for the day, reminding me that my role is to follow His lead, whether in big decisions or small, everyday moments. It’s about surrendering to His will and staying open to the opportunities He places in front of me, whether that’s a chance to serve someone, offer encouragement, or steward my resources wisely.
By focusing on just one passage of Scripture or a thought for the day, you can carry that intentional mindset with you throughout the day. This keeps you grounded in God’s plan and helps you approach your resources, relationships, and time with purpose. As I mentioned in the episode, you don’t need a lightning bolt from heaven to know what God wants for your life—sometimes it’s as simple as meditating on a single verse, like John 3:16, and letting that guide your actions.
Embrace Intentional Living and Stewardship
Throughout the podcast episode, we talked about living intentionally, managing resources wisely, and embracing a life of joyful stewardship. We went over practical steps for transforming the way you live and give, and shared tips for making wise decisions about your resources. At the core of it all is the idea that God has entrusted each of us with unique gifts, talents, and opportunities.
Whether through work, time, or finances, living intentionally can have a lasting impact. If you’re interested in exploring these ideas further, consider listening to the full episode. We also tackle the topic of why God doesn’t need your money—He wants your heart. Curious? Tune in now to find out more!
