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Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. — Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
On our own, we may struggle with trusting God with finances. After all, it is no easy feat. However, we can depend on God to help us each step of the way. We are broken, sinful humans with flaws and imperfections. However, he can change our hearts and meet us where we are.
Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Hopping over to the New Testament, John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
We do not have to be afraid or troubled — we can trust in God’s purpose regarding our finances. It is not easy, and it will not likely happen overnight; but with his help, it is possible.
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Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. — Matthew 6:19-21 NIV
For many Christians, money can be something that causes us to worry. It can seem that everything in the world requires money and that bills pile up. Whether it is paying for college, investing in a new car or planning for the future, money is something we need to consider.
However, as Christians we do not have to be concerned with money but rather hand over control to God. He is trustworthy and is not going to leave or abandon us when we are trusting him with something like money, for example.
In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus observed people as they were giving their money at the temple. There were people who gave large amounts of money because they were rich. However, it was not these people who caught his eye. Rather, it was a poor widow who had only two small coins. Jesus noted to his disciples that the widow gave much more than the others, because she gave everything she had.
Does this mean we need to go and donate all of our money or put every cent into the offering plate next time is passes by? No, but it does mean we can trust God with all of our money. We do not need to be afraid to trust in him and his provision.
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops. — Proverbs 3:9 NIV
In order to honor God with our finances, we should understand what scripture says about finances. It is important we do research in God’s word and listen to those in our lives who can help us better understand, such as pastors or mentors. God does not promise us that we will have lots of money or that we will be rich on earth. However, he will sustain us and give us what we need.
Here are some tips for healthy Christian finances:
Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. — Psalm 25:4-5 NIV
First and most importantly, we need to listen to God when it comes to our finances. If we ignore his word and his prompting, having healthy finances that bring honor to God is impossible. We must trust him and believe that he knows what's best for us.
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. — 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NIV
Generosity is praised repeatedly in the Bible, especially being a cheerful giver. Even going back to the story of the poor widow, we see how a heart of generosity is of great value to Jesus. Choosing generosity should not come from a place of duty or as an obligation but rather a place of joy at a chance to bring glory to the king.
Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. — Proverbs 3:13-15, NIV
It is important that we learn to use wisdom when it comes to money. At times, we may be tempted to spend our money foolishly or in ways that are not productive or glorifying to God. If we truly want to handle our finances in a way that follows God’s word, we must exhibit wisdom. Money is not unlimited. We must make choices based on our main priorities and what's most important.
The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. — Proverbs 21:5, NIV
Money planning can help as we attempt to make wise financial decisions. Budgeting can help us create a plan. We may save up for a car or house down the road. Perhaps we budget out our meals and what we will be spending where.
There are different methods and tools for budgeting. No matter how we choose to go about budgeting, it can give us an advantage for the future.
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. — Romans 13:8 NIV
Debt is a financial concept that is seen in the Bible. From scripture, we can see it is important to pay back those we owe. We should not spend money we are not able to return. Whether it be borrowing from a friend or family member or using a credit card or any other form of receiving money, we must be conscious of our choices and understand the reality behind debt.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. — Romans 3:23 NIV
The fact of the matter is no one is perfect. We are all sinners, and the odds are we are going to mess up with our money at one time or another. Maybe we’ll spend more than we intend to or be selfish with our finances when we had an opportunity to be generous. No matter the case we can count on God’s forgiveness and love to be there.
Are you interested in a Christian education? Grand Canyon University offers degree programs such as our Bachelor of Science in Finance with an Emphasis in Financial Planning that can help you start on your career path. Explore our tuition and financial aid page to learn more about scholarships and costs.
Approved by the local outreach coordinator of the Office of Spiritual Life on April 25, 2023.
