Finding God's Plan of Stewardship for Your Estate
Jul 01, 2010
As a Certified Stewardship Professional, I have had the opportunity to study Christian stewardship in depth. One of the most condemning passages I have found is 1Timothy 5:8, "Woe unto the man who provideth not for those of his own household. He is worse than an infidel, he has denied the faith." This scripture is directed at those who have not provided for those who are financially dependent on them — minor children, aging parents, spouse and others. If they are dependent upon us for financial support and we do not meet that obligation, we are subject to God's condemnation.
This verse does not talk about “prospering,” it talks about “providing for.” And it is silent concerning those who have grown up and left the household. This is a dependency verse. Just because someone is not financially dependent upon us does not mean that we cannot give them everything we have.
Our giving must also be done from a heart of love. John 3:16 — “For God so loved … that He gave” — sets the pattern for all of our giving.
But if distribution is not made because of dependency or love, then we have probably missed God's plan of stewardship over the assets He has entrusted to us. And if we have missed God's plan, what have we profited from all of our sophisticated planning?
Please take a minute to answer the following questions.
1. When you established your present estate plan, did you realize that God was the owner of all, and was your estate plan designed under the direction of the Holy Spirit?
❏ Yes ❏ No
2. Do you have a durable power of attorney to manage property in case of incompetency prior to death?
❏ Yes ❏ No
3. Has your estate plan been reviewed within the last three years?
❏ Yes ❏ No
4. Do you have a letter of instructions for the distribution of household goods and personal effects?
❏ Yes ❏ No
5. Have you considered the many advantages of a living trust?
❏ Yes ❏ No
6. Have there been substantial changes in people, property or plans for your estate?
❏ Yes ❏ No
7. Have you done everything possible to avoid future interpersonal conflicts among family members?
❏ Yes ❏ No
8. Is the ownership of your property coordinated with your estate documents?
❏ Yes ❏ No
9. Have you provided for guardianship and property management for minor children?
❏ Yes ❏ No
10. Are you totally comfortable with your existing estate plan?
❏ Yes ❏ No
If you answered "no" to any of the above questions, it's important that your estate plan be reviewed.
We would like to help you in that process. Please contact Bob Dewhurst at 1-888-720-8805 or via email at bdewhurst@abchome.org.
By Bob Dewhurst
ABCH VP, Ministry Development