Stewardship Olympics
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7, NIV
The 34th Summer Olympic Games will be held in Los Angeles in July 2028. For two weeks, the eyes of the world will be fixed on athletes competing for gold. But what the cameras will not capture is the hidden labor—the years of early mornings, strict diets, and relentless discipline that make those moments of glory possible.
The same is true in the life of a faithful steward. The Apostle Paul often used athletic imagery to describe the Christian life (Acts 20:24; 1 Corinthians 9:24). Our stewardship—how we handle money, time, and influence—is our event. Yet most of the preparation happens behind the scenes: the quiet choices of restraint, generosity, and values-aligned investing that shape our eternal rewards far more than the world’s applause ever could.
1. Disciplined Spending
Living below our means is a spiritual discipline. Yet most Christians mirror the world’s lifestyle and spending patterns. A 2022 U.S. News survey found that 42% of Americans lack an emergency fund, and 40% couldn’t cover a $1,000 expense from savings. That means that 80% of Americans have less than $1,000 saved for an emergency. Scripture warns, “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down” (Proverbs 21:20, NIV). Stewardship begins with self-control—learning to say “no” to excess so we can say “yes” to generosity.
2. Generous Giving
According to a study conducted by Define Financial, the average American gives about 2% to 3% of their income to charity. However, this percentage varies significantly by income bracket, with lower-income households often giving a higher percentage than higher-income households. For example, those earning under $50,000 may give around 7% of their income, while those earning $100,000 to $199,999 give closer to 3%.
According to research by Tithe.ly, the average churchgoer also gives less than 3% of their income. Generosity rarely happens accidentally; it grows through years of obedience. “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7, NIV). Like training for a marathon, giving stretches our faith, strengthens our joy, and aligns our hearts with God’s purposes.
3. Values-Aligned Investing
Finally, faithful stewardship extends to how we invest. In The Steward Investor, researcher Michael Lindsay found that fewer than half of evangelical business leaders allow their faith to influence their investments. Yet Scripture calls us to a higher standard: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…” (Colossians 3:23, NIV). Every dollar we invest is a vote for the world we want to build—one that reflects God’s justice, compassion, and creativity.
Finishing the Race
Running this race requires endurance and a willingness to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” (Hebrews 12:1, NIV). Olympic athletes train for a medal that fades; we train for a crown that lasts forever (1 Corinthians 9:25).
So, steward your wealth with the same focus an Olympian brings to the track. Live simply. Give freely. Invest redemptively. The finish line is coming—and Christ Himself will be waiting at the podium. May we run in such a way that, when we cross it, He will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21, NIV).
