Stewardship: Managing God’s Gifts To Us
This month's Stewardship Notes from Zion’s Stewardship Committee includes encouragement and exhortation from Scripture, as well as information on how a Qualified Charitable Donation (QCD) can satisfy your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and reduce your taxes. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please contact Mike Kroeger at 832-651-7295 or Michael.K.Kroeger@gmail.com.
Luke 16:8 – “For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.” The sons of this world know that they should use their wealth wisely to pro-vide for their future. Shouldn’t we “sons of light” know that the wealth God has allowed us to manage should be for God’s purposes in the roles He has given us to play in church, home and society? Don't we have more to live for, more to work for, and more to give toward?
Luke 12:15 – “And he said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’” Coveting is the opposite of being content with what God has given us. And the cure for coveting is twofold: thankfulness to God and generosity toward God’s purposes. So be on guard against all covetousness. Acknowledge that your Father has given you all that you need, and therefore be free and confident in directing the mammon of this world toward godly purposes.
Luke 13:26 – “Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’” Proximity to Jesus and the things of faith is not faith itself. Many Pharisees heard His Word but ignored it and refused to believe in it. We want to be not only hearers, but also doers of Je-sus' Word. We want not only proximity to Jesus, but true communion with Him. We want to hear Him, follow Him, praise Him and return thanks.
Luke 14:11 – “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10). That’s called humility. The Lord is God and we are not. With that in mind, how could we not seek to follow His Word in all as-pects of life? He knows what He is talking about and we don’t. If you believe that, then striking out on a path of faithfulness in the realm of stewardship is a lot easier: it just makes sense.
Have you considered a Qualified Charitable Distribution for Zion?
A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) allows individuals aged 70 ½ or older to donate up to $108,000 annually (2025 limits) from their IRA directly to a qualified charity, potentially avoiding taxes on the distribution. This strategy can be particularly helpful for those seeking to reduce their taxable income and fulfill their Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). A QCD is a direct transfer of funds from an IRA (other than an ongoing SEP or SIMPLE IRA) to a qualified charity and is limited to individ-uals who are 70 ½ or older.
How it works and potential benefits:
Direct Transfer: The distribution must be made directly from the IRA trustee to the charity.
Tax Implications: QCDs are not included in your taxable income, unlike regular IRA withdrawals. This can lower your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and potentially reduce your tax burden.
RMDs: QCDs can satisfy all or part of your RMD for the year. Annual Limit: In 2025, the annual limit for QCDs is $108,000, according to Charles Schwab. No Itemization Required: You don't need to itemize deductions to benefit from a QCD.
Of course, please consult your financial planner for more detailed information and to help you determine if this is right for you.
Sources and references for additional information: The above text adapted from Google Chrome AI Overview; Search IRS QCD (you’ll find multiple links); Search Fidelity QCD (you’ll find multiple links); Search Charles Schwab QCD (you’ll find multiple links); Search Vanguard QCD (you’ll find multiple links).
