Satan knows God's plan and tempts us in many ways to "conform to the pattern of this world" rather than "being transformed by the renewing of our minds" (Rom 12:2). We must always pray to be "aware of his schemes" (2 Co 2:11) and address our temptations head on. These scriptures help us identify some of the challenges for the frugal and the generous stewards.

Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

2 Corinthians 2:11
in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

1. Worry.

Matthew 6:25
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

- When we are overwhelmed, our temptation will be to be anxious rather than trust. At that point we question whether God really cares, whether he has provided everything we need, whether he will take care of us in the future. Trust requires a perspective, a surrender, and a decision.

- Pray to have a godly perspective, a disciple's surrender, and a decision to trust.

2. Priorities.

Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

- The frugal can be tempted to over-prioritize responsibility, the generous can over-prioritize giving. Seeking first the kingdom involves applying stewardship to balance responsibility and generosity, handling all of Gods resources God's ways for God's glory.

- Pray for a heart that prioritizes according to God's will, not our bias.

3. Diligence.

Proverbs 13:4
The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

Proverbs 10:4
Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.

- Although some people are naturally more hard-working and diligent than others, the truth isthat all of us have areas we work hard in and other areas we let slip.

- Jesus challenges us to "make every effort to enter through the narrow gate" rather than taking an easy road. We understand that discipleship includes a commitment to "work out our salvation" (Phil 2:12) and that our actions demonstrate our faith (James 2:14).

- Pray to be willing to work at managing your resources and to overcome any laziness that prevents you from changing.

- Confess any areas of damaging laziness to another disciple to clear your heart and prepare you to be a better steward of God's resources.

4. Decisions.

Joshua 24:15
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

There is no behavior change without decision.

Write down some decisions that you make today to overcome your stewardship challenges.

Decision 1:

Decision 2:

Decision 3: