Money is a topic that often causes stress and anxiety for many people. We live in a world where money plays a significant role in our daily lives, and it's easy to become consumed by the pursuit of wealth and material possessions. However, as Christians, we are called to approach money and finances differently. This article provides practical advice and biblical wisdom for Christians seeking to manage their finances in a way that honors God and furthers His purposes.

God Owns Everything

First, as instructed in Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God.” Let go of your anxiety by recognizing that everything belongs to God. As the psalmist writes in Psalm 24:1, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." This means that we are not the true owners of our possessions or resources; rather, we are simply stewards of God's resources. We have been entrusted with managing these resources well, and we are called to use them to further God's kingdom and impact future generations.

Give Generously

Giving generously is the most important aspect of managing God's money. When we give, we demonstrate our trust in God and our willingness to use His resources for His purposes. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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." Giving should be a joyful act of worship, not a burdensome obligation.

Live Simply

Living simply is another cornerstone of approaching our role of stewarding God’s resources well. We are called to prioritize eternal values over temporal ones and to recognize that our true wealth is found in our relationship with God, not in our possessions. As Jesus says in Matthew 6:19-20, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." Living simply involves avoiding debt and making wise financial choices, such as budgeting and saving, in order to honor God with our resources.

Integrity Matters

Ethical financial management is also required when we make financial decisions. We are called to be honest and ethical in our financial dealings, avoiding making money through immoral or unjust means. As Proverbs 13:11 states, "Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow." We should be wise and discerning in our investments, seeking to use our resources to further God's kingdom and impact future generations.

Conclusion

While we live in a world consumed with the pursuit of wealth, Christ-followers are to implement practical advice and biblical wisdom, to manage their finances in a way that honors God. By recognizing God's ownership of everything and seeking to use His resources for His purposes, we can find joy and fulfillment in managing our finances well and impacting His kingdom for eternity. As we strive to live simply and give generously, let us remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." When we prioritize God's kingdom above all else, we can trust that He will provide for our needs and bless our efforts to manage His money well.

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Blessings,

Paul S. Michel, CFP®

Founder & CEO

paul@providentfp.com