A Christian’s Will is a Matter of Stewardship
A will is a legally executed document that disposes of an individual’s property according to stated desires. Wills can be short, long, clear, or complicated. Not having a valid will can lead to a costly, time-consuming, and relationship-damaging process. Every adult should have a valid, up-to-date will. Perhaps you are thinking—are there additional reasons for a Christian to have a will?
With stewardship as our motivation, Christians make distribution decisions differently. We consider that an important part of our lifestyle is a relationship with God and the property that He entrusts to us. Christians understand ownership differently.
The Earth belongs to God, and as the owner, He entrusts property to us as caretakers, trustees, and stewards. We are given a sacred trust by how we manage it during our lifetimes, as well as the distributing of trust assets at the time of death.
We like to define financial stewardship like this: using God-given abilities to manage God-owned resources, to accomplish God-ordained results. Christian stewards, therefore, will seek to have their wills reflect God’s plan of distribution for the property entrusted to them. In Scripture we see two clear principles for distribution:
Principle #1: Dependence
Paul gave Timothy guidance for determining the support of widows in 1 Timothy 5. As part of this instruction he clearly states, “If anyone does not provide for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Those who are financially dependent upon us must receive priority in our distributions.
Principle #2: Love
God himself is the example for He “so loved the world that He gave…” (John 3:16). He set a pattern for us to follow. If we have cared for those who depend upon us, we are free to make distributions based upon love.
Applying the Principles
The first practical step is defining the people who are financially dependent on you. This could be your husband, wife, minor children, aged parents, or other individuals. Now add to this list those you would give to out of love. Consider also that your church and the ministries you support depend upon your gifts. You are giving out of love for them because of the service they are also giving.
The second practical step is to inventory the resources God has entrusted to you:
- What are your resources?
- How are they titled?
- When did you acquire them and at what cost?
- What are the values today?
Your list, of course, will contain a variety of assets. If you can picture the total value as a stack of cash, you may find it easier to determine your distribution plan.
Imagine your task is to distribute the cash to the list of people you made in step #1. Be sure to consult the Owner before you draw your conclusions. How much does God want you to give to each of those you have listed because of dependence? How much are you going to give to each of those you have listed because of love?
Since the only valid will is the one that is in effect at the time of death, make all effort to accomplish the third practical step—the creation (or updating) of your last will and testament. As you follow these biblical principles and execute these practical steps, you can be a Christian steward worthy of the Lord’s “well done”!
