The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

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   Number 1: 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 2: Phoebe: The Gospel Patron Behind Paul with John Rinehart

   Women have played a vital role in advancing the gospel from the very beginning. In Romans 16, the Apostle Paul introduces us to Phoebe—a trusted partner whose generosity, influence, and service helped further his ministry. Her story offers a compelling picture of what it means to use the resources God has entrusted to us to advance the gospel. John Rinehart, founder and CEO of Gospel Patrons, has spent years studying and telling the stories of men and women who have supported gospel ministry throughout history. He says Phoebe is one of the clearest biblical examples of what he calls a gospel patron.What Is a Gospel Patron?A gospel patron is someone who comes alongside those proclaiming the gospel and supports their work through relationships, influence, financial resources, and other practical means. These partnerships have existed since the earliest days of Christianity. Luke 8 tells us that Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and other women supported Jesus and His disciples “out of their means.” They were using what God had given them to help make ministry possible. Throughout church history, the names of gospel patrons have often appeared in the background. They may not have been the ones preaching sermons, translating Bibles, planting churches, or leading missionary movements, but their generosity helped make those ministries possible. As Rinehart explains, behind many gospel proclaimers throughout history have been faithful men and women helping fuel the work. Phoebe was one of them.The Remarkable Trust Paul Placed in PhoebeRomans is one of the most significant theological writings in the New Testament. Yet when Paul reaches the final chapter, the first person he mentions is Phoebe. Paul writes: “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself.” —Romans 16:1–2 Phoebe was apparently someone Paul trusted deeply. She is widely understood to have carried Paul’s letter to the believers in Rome—a significant responsibility involving a long and difficult journey. Paul also describes her as his own patron. We do not know exactly what Phoebe's financial support provided. She may have helped cover Paul's travel, living expenses, ministry costs, or even expenses associated with producing and distributing letters. Scripture does not tell us. What it does tell us is significant enough: Phoebe was an important partner in Paul's ministry, and her resources were being used in service to the gospel. Her example reminds us that faith and finances were never intended to occupy separate parts of our lives.Wealth Is an Opportunity to Do GoodChristians can sometimes struggle with how to think about money. We may begin to view wealth as something inherently worldly while treating faith as something private and spiritual. Scripture gives us a much more integrated picture. What we do with the resources God entrusts to us can itself become an act of worship. Money can be used to care for people in need, support missionaries, serve widows and orphans, strengthen ministries, and help spread the gospel. The important question is not merely, “How much wealth do I have?” It is, “How can I faithfully use what God has entrusted to me?” Phoebe understood that her resources carried Kingdom possibilities. That lesson may be particularly significant in the years ahead as enormous amounts of wealth change hands and women become increasingly influential stewards of financial resources. Phoebe offers a biblical picture of what can happen when financial influence is placed at God's disposal.Three Characteristics of a Gospel PatronRinehart identifies three qualities that can help us recognize faithful gospel patronage: vision, generosity, and humility. 1. Vision Gospel patrons develop eyes to recognize where God is working. They can see potential before the results are obvious. They recognize that something seemingly small today—a missionary, ministry, church plant, Bible translation, or act of service—may bear fruit far beyond what they will ever personally witness. That requires faith. God often begins His work through what appears small, like the mustard seed Jesus described. Gospel patrons have the vision to see what God might do and the willingness to participate. 2. Generosity Vision eventually leads to action. Gospel patrons do more than admire good ministry. They joyfully put their resources behind it. That generosity may sometimes involve sacrifice. Instead of viewing giving merely as another financial obligation, gospel patrons see it as an opportunity to participate personally in God's work. Their resources become tools that can help others proclaim the gospel, serve people in need, and bless communities. 3. Humility Gospel patrons are also willing to serve without being at the center of attention. They do not need the microphone. Their name may never appear on a platform or become widely known. Their joy comes from knowing that the work is being accomplished. Phoebe's name appears only briefly in Scripture, yet imagine the impact connected to the letter she carried. Christians have been studying Romans for nearly two thousand years. Sometimes extraordinary Kingdom impact happens through people willing to serve faithfully behind the scenes.How Do You Choose What to Support?Generosity should not mean giving impulsively to every opportunity that appears. Wisdom and discernment matter. Rinehart encourages believers to begin with prayer, asking God to help them see where they may have a role in His work. Then comes thoughtful evaluation. Before supporting a person or ministry, consider its theological convictions, character, competence, and clarity of mission. Talk with people who know the organization. Seek wise counsel. Ask whether the ministry has demonstrated faithful stewardship and whether its work aligns with biblical priorities. Generosity and due diligence do not compete with one another. Responsible stewardship includes both.You Don't Have to Wait Until You're WealthyPerhaps the idea of becoming a gospel patron sounds exciting, but you are still early in your career or don't have substantial financial resources. You do not have to wait. Jesus teaches in Luke 16 that faithfulness begins with what we have now. One of the dangers of generosity is always moving it into the future:I'll give when I earn more.I'll become generous when the debt is gone.I'll support ministry once I've reached a certain financial milestone.But habits established with a little often remain when we eventually have much. Start where you are. That might mean supporting a missionary with a modest recurring gift. It could mean giving toward a ministry you believe in, opening your home, sharing your professional expertise, introducing people who could accomplish more together, or intentionally creating financial margin so generosity can grow over time. Small acts of faithfulness have a way of preparing us for larger ones. Lifestyle matters here, too. Rising income can easily be consumed by rising expenses. If every increase in income automatically raises your lifestyle, generosity will always feel difficult. Choosing to live below your means can create margin not simply for financial security, but for giving.What Has God Put in Your Hands?Phoebe's story raises a question worth considering: What resources has God entrusted to you that could help advance the gospel? Perhaps it is wealth. Perhaps it is your business experience, professional expertise, relationships, home, influence, or ability to connect the right people. You may be called to proclaim the gospel publicly. Or you may be someone whose faithful support allows another person to devote more of his or her life to doing so. Both roles matter. Phoebe did not write Romans. Paul did. But Phoebe faithfully used what God had entrusted to her, and she became an important partner in Paul's ministry. Nearly two thousand years later, we are still saying her name. Her story reminds us that we do not need to be the person standing in the spotlight to have an extraordinary gospel impact. We simply need to ask God to show us what He has placed in our hands—and then faithfully use it for His glory.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I’m over 70, still working, and collecting Social Security. I’m considering withdrawing about $175,000 from my 401(k) to buy a rental property that could generate around $1,600 a month, leaving about $125,000 in the account. Would that be a wise move?My 91-year-old father has pension income and long-term care insurance, but we still face a $3,500 to $4,000 monthly shortfall, and he’s down to about $25,000 in savings. A reverse mortgage could help him stay in his home for another couple of years. Would that be a good option, and what type should we consider?Resources Mentioned:Become a FaithFi PartnerFaithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly MagazineGospel PatronsGospel Patrons: People Whose Generosity Changed The World by John RinehartMovement MortgageFaithFi 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 11, 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: The Uniqueness Principle: Rethinking Inheritance with Ron Blue

   Puritan poet Anne Bradstreet once wrote, “Wisdom without an inheritance is better than an inheritance without wisdom.” Every parent hopes the resources they leave behind will bless their children. But a financial inheritance can have very different effects depending on the person receiving it. That is why wise wealth transfer requires more than simply deciding how much to leave—it requires careful thought, prayer, and an understanding of each child’s unique circumstances. Ron Blue, co-founder of Kingdom Advisors and longtime teacher on biblical stewardship, calls this the uniqueness principle. Equal Love Doesn’t Always Require Equal Treatment Studies show that many parents divide their estates equally among their children. There is certainly nothing wrong with that approach, but Ron encourages parents not to make equality the automatic default. As he explains, God loves each of His children equally, but He often treats them uniquely. The same can be true within a family. Children may grow up in the same home and sit around the same dinner table, yet adulthood can take them in very different directions. They may marry differently, parent differently, pursue different careers, experience job losses, accumulate different levels of wealth, or develop very different approaches to money. Those differences can matter when determining how an inheritance should be passed down. The question is not simply, “How can I divide everything evenly?” A better question may be, “How can I steward these resources in a way that truly benefits each child?” Three Questions to Ask Before Leaving an Inheritance When Ron and his wife, Judy, began thinking seriously about their own estate plan, they used three questions to evaluate what an inheritance might mean for each of their five children. 1. What is the worst thing that could happen? Imagine giving a particular amount of money to a particular child. How could that money negatively affect his or her life? For one child, the concern may be minimal. The money might simply be given away. For another, however, a large inheritance could create tension within a marriage, reinforce unhealthy financial habits, reduce motivation to work, or create other unintended consequences. 2. How serious would that outcome be? Not every negative possibility carries the same weight. Some may be inconvenient but manageable. Others could damage relationships, character, or financial stability. Parents should carefully consider the seriousness of each potential consequence. 3. How likely is it to happen? Finally, consider probability. A possible problem is different from a probable one. Together, these questions provide a framework for thinking beyond percentages and dollar amounts to the actual impact an inheritance could have. Your Estate Plan Should Change as Life Changes Another important part of the uniqueness principle is recognizing that circumstances rarely remain the same. When Ron and Judy first began asking these questions decades ago, their children were at very different stages of life than they are today. Careers changed. Marriages developed. Families grew. Financial circumstances shifted. As a result, Ron says the answers they would give today are very different from the answers they would have given 25 years ago. That is an important reminder: An estate plan should not necessarily be a one-time decision. As circumstances change, parents may need to revisit both their assumptions and their plans. Don’t Pass Wealth Without Passing Wisdom Underlying Ron’s approach is one of his most important principles: Don’t pass wealth unless you pass wisdom. Wealth does not automatically produce wisdom. In fact, money can magnify whatever attitudes and habits already exist. Wisdom, however, can help someone steward wealth faithfully—and even create additional resources through diligence, generosity, patience, and wise decision-making. That means preparing the next generation involves far more than preparing legal documents. Parents can begin transferring wisdom long before they transfer wealth by talking openly about stewardship, generosity, work, contentment, financial decision-making, and God’s ownership of everything. The greatest inheritance may not be the money children eventually receive, but the biblical principles they learned while their parents were still living. Faithfulness Matters More Than Fairness The uniqueness principle does not mean every estate should be divided differently. After thoughtful consideration, parents may still conclude that an equal distribution is the wisest choice. The point is not that equal is wrong or unequal is better. The point is to avoid allowing cultural expectations, guilt, fear of conflict, or simple habit to make the decision for you. Instead, approach wealth transfer prayerfully and deliberately. Ask what each child’s circumstances are. Consider what opportunities or challenges an inheritance might create. Think carefully about the consequences. Revisit those decisions as life changes. Ultimately, wealth transfer is an act of stewardship. The resources we leave behind still belong to God, and our responsibility is to manage them according to His wisdom rather than merely following human expectations. Before asking, “How can I make everything equal?” consider asking a deeper question: “What would faithfulness look like for each person God has entrusted to my care?” On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m 60, own two rental properties outright, rent an apartment in Chicago for $2,100 a month, and have about $1.4 million in savings and investments. My rental income is seasonal, but I haven’t had to draw from my portfolio yet. Is continuing to rent in Chicago financially reasonable, and is $1.4 million likely enough to support me long term? My wife and I are buying a new home and have about 60% of the purchase price in cash. We need the remaining 40% for only 60 to 90 days until our current paid-off home sells. Would a HELOC, bridge loan, or another short-term financing option make the most sense? Our 22-year-old daughter lives at home and has very few expenses or responsibilities. Would it be biblical and wise to start charging her rent, and how should we determine a fair amount? 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 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 01, 2026·25min
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