Financial planning, from a Christian perspective
Financial planning, from a Christian perspective, this has been something I’ve considered deeply since entering this field. As a Christian, I believe everything, including my career, should align with God’s guidance.
As a financial advisor, I help people with financial plans and have always aimed to apply Christian principles in these interactions. I want to share my approach emphasizing that this is based on my personal faith and how I understand God’s leading in financial matters.
Being a Good Steward
At its core, Christian financial planning is about being good stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. In the Bible, from the creation of Adam and Eve, stewardship is emphasized, showing that our work and the resources we manage—whether money, time, or talents—are meant to honor God.
One of my favorite Bible stories that illustrates good stewardship is the Parable of the Talents, where servants are entrusted with varying amounts of money and the two that used them wisely were rewarded, the one that did nothing was rebuked. (Matthew 25:14-25) This parable serves as a reminder that we are called to use our resources responsibly and actively.
Seeking God for Guidance
God also encourages us to work and gain wisdom for profit, as seen in scriptures like Isaiah, which asks for guidance on how to profit.
Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go. Isaiah 48:17
Using wealth to honor God can look different for each person, but the key principle is stewardship and using resources for His purposes.
In this short series, I will walk through different aspects of financial planning from a Christian viewpoint, offering biblical insights on each area. I encourage you to study these scriptures for yourself and seek God’s direction.
Money and Faith
Money is a common subject in the Bible, it is not evil in itself—it’s when it becomes an idol, placed above God, that it causes harm.
We must remember that where much is given, much is required. (Luke 12:48) Weather you consider yourself rich or not, you are in the where much is given camp living in this country. Therefore, with the wealth we have, much is required of us. God has gifted us with resources, and we will be held accountable for how we use them.
Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. Romans 14:12
Financial planning should, therefore, always be viewed through the lens of faith, seeking to honor God with our wealth and decisions.
Throughout this series, I will explore key areas of financial planning from a Christian perspective, sharing scriptures along the way. I hope this journey encourages you to pray and seek God’s guidance as you manage your financial resources.
A few additional Scripture References:
The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it.
The world and all its people belong to him. Psalm 24:1
Know well the condition of your flocks,
And pay attention to your herds; Proverbs 23:23
If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? Luke 16:10-11
Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
But remember the LORD your God,
for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.
Deuteronomy 8:18a
No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. Matthew 6:24
Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Proverbs 3:9
Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength. 1 Chronicles 29:12
Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. Proverbs 11:28