The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

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   Number 1: The Emotional Cost of Debt: Breaking Free from Financial Stress with Neile Simon

   Debt carries a cost beyond dollars and interest. It can steal your sleep, strain relationships, affect your health, and make the future feel uncertain. For many people, financial stress gradually becomes an emotional burden as well. But gaining clarity, seeking wise counsel, and developing a practical plan can begin to lift that weight. Neile Simon, a Certified Credit Counselor and Director of Strategic Partnerships at Christian Credit Counselors, says one of the most important things she has learned from counseling thousands of individuals and families is that debt is rarely just a financial issue. Understanding that broader impact can be an important first step toward finding a way forward. Debt Isn’t Always the Result of Poor Decisions People struggling with debt often carry shame or embarrassment about their circumstances. But financial hardship can develop for many reasons, including circumstances largely outside someone’s control. Job loss, divorce, unexpected medical expenses, early retirement, caring for aging parents, supporting adult children, and the rising cost of everyday necessities can all put significant pressure on a household budget. Sometimes debt develops not because someone was reckless, but because they were simply trying to make it through a difficult season. Recognizing that reality doesn’t remove the responsibility to address what is owed, but it can help replace shame with a clearer perspective. The goal is not to dwell on how you arrived at this point, but to understand your situation well enough to begin moving forward wisely. When Financial Stress Becomes an Emotional Burden Financial stress often begins affecting other areas of life long before someone asks for help. You may find yourself lying awake at night wondering how you will ever repay what you owe. Perhaps you avoid opening credit card statements because it feels discouraging to see how little progress you are making. You might take on extra hours at work simply to remain current, leaving less time for family, rest, and other responsibilities. Those can all be signs that debt has become more than a budget problem. When financial pressure dominates your thoughts, avoiding the problem may feel easier in the moment. But uncertainty often magnifies anxiety. Understanding exactly where you stand can be uncomfortable, yet that clarity is often the beginning of relief. Seeking Help Is an Act of Wisdom One of the most important steps someone in debt can take is simply asking for help. Seeking wise counsel is not an admission of failure. In many cases, the earlier you reach out, the more options may be available. A Certified Credit Counselor can help you understand where your money is going, evaluate your debts, explore repayment options, and create a realistic plan. That kind of clarity can replace the feeling of being overwhelmed with a series of manageable next steps. A counselor cannot make the debt disappear overnight, but having a plan can change the way you view the problem. Instead of wondering whether there is any way out, you can begin seeing measurable progress toward a specific destination. That clarity can restore hope. Face Financial Challenges With Faith and Wisdom For Christians, addressing debt also involves remembering that God cares about every area of our lives—including our finances. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds believers not to be consumed by anxiety, but to bring their concerns before God in prayer. That does not mean ignoring financial problems or assuming they will resolve themselves. Biblical faith calls us to bring our concerns to the Lord while also pursuing wisdom and taking responsible action. Scripture consistently commends wise counsel. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” When debt feels overwhelming, faith and practical action are not competing responses. We can trust God while honestly facing our circumstances, seeking wise guidance, changing financial habits where necessary, and steadily working toward repayment. Clarity Can Be the Beginning of Hope If debt has taken over both your budget and your thoughts, remember that you do not have to navigate the situation alone. Start by understanding exactly what you owe and where your money is going. Seek trustworthy counsel. Develop a realistic repayment plan. Then begin taking one faithful step at a time. The situation may not change immediately, but having a clear path forward can begin lifting the emotional weight even before the balances are gone. Christian Credit Counselors is a nonprofit organization that may be able to help lower interest rates, develop a clear repayment plan, and provide support as you work toward paying what you owe. To learn more, visit FaithFi.com/CCC. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I received a settlement after being injured in a hit-and-run accident. Is that settlement taxable, does it count as income, and could the tax treatment vary by state? I have about $4,000 in credit card debt and need to replace my car after an accident. I also want to improve my credit score. Should I focus first on paying down the card balance, and does paying it off all at once help my score more than monthly payments? I’m planning to retire next year at 62. My wife has been a homemaker throughout our marriage, and I want to make sure she’s provided for while also continuing to give generously. One advisor recommends delaying Social Security until 67, while another says I should claim at 62 and move my investments to his firm. How should I evaluate these competing recommendations and decide when to claim Social Security? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Credit Counselors FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

   August 13, 2026·25min
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   Number 2: A Wise Heart in Every Financial Season

   In the first century B.C., Roman historian Sallust observed, “Prosperity tries the souls, even of the wise.” Most of us would probably choose financial prosperity over adversity. Yet both seasons bring their own spiritual challenges. When things are going well financially, it can be tempting to take credit for our success. Pride, greed, and self-reliance can quietly take root. Financial hardship brings different temptations—self-pity, bitterness, envy, or fear. Scripture offers a better way. Christians are called to live faithfully and with integrity regardless of their circumstances. And according to the Bible, the key to doing that in both prosperity and adversity is wisdom.The Beginning of WisdomProverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Fearing the Lord does not mean living in dread of Him. It means recognizing that He is God and we are not. It is a posture of reverence toward His holiness, wisdom, and authority. God’s commands are not arbitrary restrictions designed to make life difficult. They are loving boundaries given by the One who created us and knows what leads to life and flourishing. Like a loving parent who sets boundaries to protect a child, God directs us toward what is good. When we understand that, fearing the Lord becomes less about being afraid and more about growing in love, trust, and joyful obedience. And this wisdom is not reserved for the wealthy, successful, or especially intelligent. It is available to anyone who humbly listens to God and trusts His Word.The Fruit of Godly WisdomScripture describes many benefits of walking in wisdom. There is discernment. Proverbs 2:9 teaches that wisdom helps us understand “righteousness and justice and equity, every good path.” There is guidance. Proverbs 3:6 reminds us, “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” There is blessing. Proverbs 3:13 says, “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom.” There is also honor and protection. Proverbs 3:35 says, “The wise will inherit honor,” while Proverbs 16:6 teaches that “by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.” These are not promises that wise people will always become financially prosperous. They are reminders that God’s wisdom produces something far more valuable: a life increasingly shaped by truth, integrity, discernment, and faithfulness. Those qualities can take root whether your bank account is growing or shrinking.When We Reject WisdomScripture often contrasts the wise with the fool. That language is not intended as a petty insult but as a sober warning. Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” Biblically speaking, foolishness is the attempt to live independently of God’s wisdom—to determine for ourselves what is good, right, and worthy of pursuit. That temptation certainly appears in our financial lives. We may assume that because something makes financial sense, it must automatically be wise. We may pursue more money without asking what that pursuit is doing to our hearts. Or we may allow our circumstances to determine our attitude toward God. But His warnings are also invitations. God continually calls us back to a better way—a life shaped by His wisdom rather than our impulses. So what does that look like in our everyday financial decisions?See Money Through God’s EyesFirst, remember who owns everything. Scripture teaches that everything ultimately belongs to God. We are stewards of what He has entrusted to us. That changes the goal of financial management. The ultimate objective is not simply to reach a certain bank balance, accumulate enough possessions, or achieve financial independence. It is to become increasingly faithful with whatever God places in our hands. Ask the Holy Spirit to shape your desires, guide your decisions, and help you use God’s resources in ways that honor Him.Put Biblical Principles Into PracticeFinancial wisdom is more than knowing what Scripture says. It means putting biblical principles into practice. God’s Word should shape not only what we do with money but also how we treat people along the way. That means practicing honesty and integrity, dealing fairly with others, keeping our commitments, and allowing the Holy Spirit to cultivate generosity and humility. A financially wise decision should not merely ask, “Will this benefit me?” It should also consider whether the decision reflects God’s character and demonstrates love for others.Pursue ContentmentFinally, pursue contentment. Contentment grows as we learn to trust God with what we have, what we need, and what lies ahead. As we invite Him into our financial lives and depend increasingly on His provision, the Holy Spirit begins loosening our grip on comparison and the constant desire for more. That is why 1 Timothy 6:6 reminds us, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Contentment does not mean we stop planning, working, saving, or pursuing worthwhile goals. It means those things no longer determine our security or identity.Faithful in Prosperity and AdversityWhether you are walking through financial adversity or enjoying a season of prosperity, your circumstances do not change who God is. He remains faithful. His wisdom remains trustworthy. And His provision remains worthy of our confidence. True financial wisdom is not measured by how much we have. It is revealed in how faithfully we follow God with whatever He has entrusted to us. In every season—prosperity or adversity—the wisest path is the same: fear the Lord, trust His Word, and faithfully walk in His ways.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I inherited about $50,000, and a friend is encouraging me to use options trading to grow it faster. How does that compare with investing in more traditional mutual funds? Also, my late mother left $100 in a savings account that the bank says must go through probate. Does that make sense for such a small amount?My 75-year-old mother owns her home outright and is considering a reverse mortgage for extra income. She also co-signed a loan for my sister. Could that affect her ability to qualify?My wife has an inherited IRA from her father and a separate 401(k) from a former employer. Can those accounts be combined, and what’s the best way to use them for retirement income?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

   September 07, 2026·25min
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   Number 3: Money Issues Are Heart Issues

   Money has a way of reaching places in our lives that few other things do. It touches our fears, desires, relationships, priorities, and sense of security. That may be why Jesus spoke so often about money and possessions. In Matthew 6:21, He says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Jesus understood something we often miss: money issues are often heart issues. Our financial choices can reveal what we trust, what we desire, and ultimately what we treasure.Materialism Is a Heart ProblemYears ago, Ron Blue once shared a story from his time in Kenya that profoundly shaped the way I think about stewardship. Ron was sitting on a hillside with a local pastor, looking out over the village where the man lived. Ron asked him what he thought was a practical question: “What’s the greatest barrier to the spread of the gospel here?” Ron expected to hear about a lack of money, transportation, or other resources. The pastor didn’t hesitate. “Materialism.” Ron was stunned. Surely materialism was primarily a Western problem. But the pastor explained that if a man has a mud hut, he wants a stone hut. If he has a thatched roof, he wants a metal one. If he has one cow, he wants two. That conversation helped Ron recognize an important truth: Materialism isn’t ultimately about how much you have. It’s about what your heart longs for. If materialism can thrive in a mud hut as easily as in an American suburb, then possessions aren’t the root problem. The heart is. Money simply has a remarkable ability to expose what is already there.Money Reveals What We TrustMoney itself is neither moral nor immoral. It is a tool. But because it touches nearly every area of life, the way we handle it can reveal what is happening inside us. Overspending may reveal a desire for identity, comfort, or approval. Clinging tightly to savings may reveal where we seek ultimate security. Debt can sometimes expose impatience or a desire to live beyond what God has currently provided. Resistance to generosity may reveal a fear that there will not be enough. In each case, the dollars are secondary. The heart is primary. The good news is that God cares deeply about our hearts, and He invites us into something better: freedom from fear, comparison, striving, and the belief that everything depends on us. Over the years, a few biblical truths have become foundational to the way I think about money and stewardship.1. God Owns It AllBiblical stewardship begins with ownership. Everything we possess ultimately belongs to God. Our money, possessions, abilities, opportunities, and even the power to produce wealth are gifts entrusted to us for a season. Recognizing God's ownership changes the question from, “What do I want to do with my money?” to, “God, what would You have me do with what belongs to You?” When we understand ourselves as stewards rather than owners, we can begin to hold money with greater gratitude, humility, and freedom.2. God Is Our ProviderJesus reminds us in Matthew 6 that our heavenly Father feeds the birds and clothes the lilies—and that His children are worth far more. That doesn’t mean Christians will never face financial difficulty or uncertainty. It does mean our ultimate confidence is not found in a paycheck, investment account, or emergency fund. Wise planning matters. Saving matters. Working diligently matters. But none of those things were designed to carry the weight of our ultimate security. God is our provider. As that truth moves from something we know intellectually to something we believe deeply, fear begins to loosen its grip.3. Money Is a Tool, Not a TreasureMoney is useful, but it makes a terrible master. It was never meant to provide our identity, significance, or ultimate security. Instead, money can become a tool for accomplishing good purposes—providing for our families, meeting needs, blessing others, supporting gospel work, and practicing generosity. The problem begins when the tool becomes the treasure. Jesus calls us to something infinitely greater: to treasure Him above everything money can provide. When Christ becomes our ultimate treasure, money can return to its proper place.4. Financial Decisions Can Become Acts of WorshipStewardship is about far more than giving. Every spending decision, saving goal, act of generosity, and financial plan gives us another opportunity to ask, “Lord, how can I honor You with what You’ve entrusted to me?” That changes the way we approach money. Instead of treating our finances as an isolated part of life, we begin to see them as part of our discipleship. Spending can reflect gratitude and contentment. Saving can demonstrate wisdom and preparation. Giving can express love and trust. Planning can help us faithfully fulfill our responsibilities. Money stops competing for the throne of our hearts and becomes a tool we can place in God's hands.Discovering Our Ultimate TreasureThese truths are at the heart of Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship. We wrote it to help Christians work through foundational biblical principles of money and consider how those truths shape everyday financial decisions. Our hope is that as you walk through the devotional, you’ll experience God’s peace growing where fear once lived, contentment replacing comparison, and generosity overcoming the instinct toward self-protection. In the end, money will always reveal what we treasure most. And when Christ is our ultimate treasure, we discover a freedom and security that no amount of money could ever provide. You can order Our Ultimate Treasure for yourself, your church, or your small group at FaithFi.com/Shop.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I inherited land from my parents’ trust in 2003 and sold it in 2025. I’m now facing a larger-than-expected capital gains tax bill. Does the inheritance tax exemption apply to the sale proceeds, or only to the property’s value when I inherited it?I’m considering tapping my home equity. How does a traditional HELOC compare with newer home equity-sharing arrangements, and what are the pros and cons of each?Are there policies that combine life insurance with long-term care benefits? And can those products also include an investment component, or would investing need to be handled separately?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

   September 04, 2026·25min
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   Number 4: How Christian Banking Supports the Body of Christ with Aaron Caid

   Where you bank may seem like a purely practical decision. We often compare interest rates, fees, convenience, and technology—and those things matter. But for Christians, banking can also be viewed through the larger lens of stewardship. Every financial decision gives us an opportunity to consider how faithfully we are managing the resources God has entrusted to us. Aaron Caid, Chief Marketing Officer at AdelFi Christian Banking, joined the show today to discuss financial discipleship, the role of Christian financial institutions, and how everyday banking decisions can support work that advances the gospel. Banking as an Act of Stewardship Biblical stewardship begins with recognizing that everything ultimately belongs to God. The money we earn, save, spend, borrow, and give has been entrusted to us to manage wisely. That perspective can shape even routine financial decisions. “For Christians, our financial decisions are an act of stewardship,” Aaron says. Whether a family is preparing for the future, a church is expanding its outreach, or a ministry is developing its budget, finances touch nearly every area of life. For a Christian financial institution such as AdelFi, that means providing practical banking tools while keeping biblical stewardship at the center of its mission. Families still need checking accounts, savings tools, loans, and credit cards. Churches and ministries still need financing and cash-management solutions. But those services can be offered with an understanding of the faith and mission behind them. Greater Capacity to Serve The strength of a financial institution matters because it affects its ability to serve its members. For families, that may mean access to resources for managing everyday expenses, building savings, and borrowing wisely. For churches and ministries, it can mean working with financial professionals who understand the unique challenges of ministry—including cash flow, property needs, growth, and long-term planning. One example came during the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Calvary Chapel South Orange County had been holding services outdoors in an outlet mall parking lot while Southern California churches faced restrictions on indoor gatherings. During that period, the congregation grew significantly and eventually became larger than its previous indoor space could accommodate. The church needed a new facility. AdelFi helped provide financing that enabled the congregation to purchase a larger property. While the transaction involved a loan, its impact went beyond dollars and cents. A larger building gave the growing church a place to gather, build relationships, worship, and continue growing together. It shows how financial resources can serve a larger purpose when deployed thoughtfully. What Is Financial Discipleship? Christian stewardship isn't ultimately about accumulating as much money as possible. Financial discipleship is about becoming increasingly faithful in the way we handle what God provides. That includes cultivating wisdom, contentment, generosity, and faithfulness. Jesus makes the connection between our finances and our spiritual lives clear in Matthew 6. He teaches that we cannot serve both God and money and reminds us, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Our financial habits can either reinforce or compete with the priorities we profess. Practically, financial discipleship may look remarkably ordinary. It can mean following a realistic spending plan, saving for future needs, avoiding unnecessary debt, practicing generosity, and making decisions based on biblical convictions rather than simply following cultural expectations. These habits aren't ends in themselves. They help us put money in its proper place—as a tool entrusted to us rather than a master that controls us. Can Where You Bank Make a Difference? Stewardship can also raise another question: What happens to our money after we deposit it? Financial institutions use deposits to support lending and other financial activity. That means Christians may want to consider not only the products a bank offers but also the purposes their financial institution helps support. At AdelFi, members' deposits help provide resources to serve Christian families, churches, and ministries. According to Aaron, AdelFi has funded more than $1 billion in ministry real estate loans, helping churches and ministries acquire or improve facilities while pursuing financially responsible solutions. The organization also offers products designed to connect everyday financial activity with generosity. Its Cash Rewards Visa®, for example, allows members to earn cash back, while AdelFi also gives to Christian ministries and missions when members use their cards. None of this means choosing a Christian financial institution is required for faithful stewardship. Christians can honor God through many different financial arrangements. But it reminds us that stewardship invites us to think intentionally about all our financial choices—including where we bank. Bringing Faith Into Everyday Financial Decisions Faithful stewardship isn't limited to the offering plate or the major financial decisions we make a few times in life. It reaches into the ordinary. How we budget. How we borrow. How we save. How we spend. And even where we choose to keep our money can reflect what we value. The goal isn't simply to make every financial decision appear “Christian.” It's to recognize that every dollar belongs to God and then prayerfully ask how we can manage His resources with wisdom, generosity, and faithfulness. When our financial choices are shaped by that perspective, even something as routine as choosing a bank can become another opportunity to align our money with our faith. To learn more about AdelFi Christian Banking and its Cash Rewards Visa®, visit FaithFi.com/Banking. Apply by December 31 to earn a $200 bonus, plus 1.5% cash back on every purchase and other benefits. With every swipe, AdelFi also gives to Christian charities. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My husband and sister both passed away, and I received life insurance benefits from each. From a biblical perspective, should I tithe on those proceeds? Our younger daughter needs help with a down payment on property where she hopes to build a home. We’d like to help, but we still have a mortgage, only a few months of cash reserves, older vehicles, and several recent major expenses. Would helping her be wise, or would it put our own finances at too much risk? I’m retired, legally blind, and currently rent a home for $500 a month. The VA has approved grants to modify it for my needs, but my daughter thinks I should buy land and put a prefab home on it so I can build equity. Considering the added costs of ownership, would I be better off continuing to rent or buying a home? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) AdelFi Christian Banking FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

   September 03, 2026·25min
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   Number 5: Earning Money God’s Way with Howard Dayton

   Money is never just about money, and work is never just about a paycheck. Scripture teaches that God owns everything, gives us the ability to earn, and calls us to work with integrity because ultimately, we serve Christ. Howard Dayton, Founder of Compass Financial Ministry and author of Business God’s Way, says those truths should shape not only how Christians manage money, but how we earn it in the first place. Remember Who You’re Really Working For The foundation of biblical earning begins with recognizing that God owns everything and that He is ultimately the One we serve. Colossians 3:23-24 says: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men… You are serving the Lord Christ.” That applies whether you own a business, work for a large company, serve in ministry, or earn a paycheck somewhere in between. Your employer may sign the check, but your work is ultimately an act of service to Christ. Even the ability to earn is a gift from God. Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us: “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth.” That perspective guards against pride when things go well. Our abilities, opportunities, creativity, and strength are all resources God has entrusted to us. Let Integrity Define Your Work If we represent Christ in the workplace, honesty should characterize everything we do. For business owners, that means treating customers, employees, vendors, and even competitors with integrity. For employees, it means giving an honest day’s work, using company resources responsibly, and refusing to take what does not belong to us—even when no one would notice. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Our conduct at work can either reinforce or undermine the faith we profess. Biblical integrity means doing what is right because we belong to Christ, not simply because honesty is good for business. Plan Wisely Without Presuming on Tomorrow Running a business or managing a career requires planning. Scripture affirms the value of order and thoughtful preparation. 1 Corinthians 14:40 says, “All things should be done decently and in order.” While the immediate context concerns worship in the church, the broader principle reminds us that order and intentionality have value. At the same time, good planning should never become confidence that we control the future. James 4:13-14 warns those who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit,” reminding them, “You do not know what tomorrow will bring.” Christians should plan carefully while holding those plans with open hands. We prepare responsibly, but we remain dependent on God. Make Generosity Part of the Business Plan Many biblical principles such as honesty, diligence, and planning are also recognized as sound business practices. Generosity, however, can run against the world’s instinct to accumulate and protect as much as possible. Proverbs 11:24-25 says: “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” This is not a promise that generous people will always become materially wealthy. Scripture does not teach us to give in order to get more. Instead, generosity reflects trust in God and loosens money’s grip on our hearts. For a business owner, generosity might mean giving a portion of profits, caring intentionally for employees, supporting ministry, or finding creative ways to use the company’s resources to serve others. Some Christian business leaders have gone even further. Entrepreneurs such as Alan Barnhart and Stanley Tam structured their businesses around extraordinary generosity, viewing their companies not simply as vehicles for personal wealth but as resources entrusted to them for God’s purposes. The form generosity takes will look different for every person and every business. The important question is whether we are willing to ask God how the resources He has entrusted to us can bless others. Work as a Steward Earning money God’s way begins with a different definition of success. The goal is not merely to maximize income or grow a business. It is to faithfully steward the abilities, opportunities, relationships, and resources God provides. We work diligently because we serve Christ. We act honestly because we represent Him. We plan wisely while remembering that tomorrow belongs to God. And we hold what we earn with open hands so that generosity can become a natural expression of faithful stewardship. When we understand that God is both the Owner and our ultimate Employer, work becomes more than a way to make a living. It becomes another opportunity to honor Him with what He has entrusted to us. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’d like to help my daughter buy a home by financing part of the purchase myself. Can we structure a private family mortgage using the applicable federal rate, and how should we handle the interest, paperwork, and tax reporting? I’m behind on filing my taxes and have been quoted more than $600 for preparation. I also run a nonprofit ministry and would like to keep costs down. Where can I find affordable or free tax-preparation help, and could a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) assist? I received a Schedule K-1 from an investment held inside my IRA. How should I handle that for tax purposes? My husband and I are dairy farmers with operating and capital lines of credit around 8.5%. We’re considering using money from his Roth IRA to pay down the debt. At age 60, would there be taxes or penalties, and is that a wise move? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Business God’s Way by Howard Dayton IRS Free File | AARP Foundation Tax-Aide | IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

   August 28, 2026·25min
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