John Stanko

"You may say to yourself, 'My power and the strength
of my hands have produced this wealth for me.' But
remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives
you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms
his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors,
as it is today" - Deuteronomy 8:17-18.

Leaders are often around a lot of money and have the potential to earn a lot of money. It is easy for those leaders to assume that their intelligence, leadership prowess, job skills and the like are the source of that wealth. That prideful thinking then leads to an attitude of ownership, which means they have to fight to protect what is rightfully theirs and to gain more. Today's verses remind leaders and all people to remember the Lord who is the source of all good things, including wealth. That wealth is not a sign of man's faithfulness but rather God's faithfulness, who bestowed the ability to earn wealth on those whom He sovereignly chooses. That should lead to an attitude of stewardship and not ownership.

LEADERSHIP STEP: Your Step today is to examine your attitude toward finances and wealth. It is important you be clear that God is the source of any wealth you may have earned. Has pride or a sense of entitlement set in that has caused you to be arrogant or to put your trust in your money or your ability to earn it? Do you thank God for your financial resources? Are you careful to give back to God by being generous to your church and the poor?