Faith & Finance

In a relay race, runners don't leave the baton behind. They pass it forward to someone prepared to carry it. Shouldn't we think about inheritance the same way?

When we consider leaving an inheritance, we naturally focus on the financial resources we'll pass along. But an inheritance involves more than transferring money or possessions. It also involves preparing the people who will receive them.

Proverbs 16:16 reminds us, “How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.”

Ron Blue, founder of Kingdom Advisors and Blue Trust and a pioneer in Christian financial planning, has spent nearly five decades helping families understand this distinction. His message is simple but profound: The greatest legacy we can leave isn't merely the wealth we've accumulated, but the wisdom to steward it well.

Wealth can certainly be a blessing, but money alone doesn't produce wisdom, character, contentment, or purpose. Those qualities must be developed intentionally, and they ultimately determine how someone handles the resources entrusted to them.

Passing significant wealth to someone who isn't prepared to manage it can create unintended consequences, even when the giver has the best intentions.

This is especially important when considering multigenerational wealth transfers. Children and grandchildren who inherit substantial resources may not have experienced the sacrifices, discipline, or decisions involved in accumulating them. Without that perspective, they may develop an entirely different relationship with money.

Ron encourages families to think beyond the immediate inheritance and consider how their decisions might affect the next two or three generations. By the third generation, beneficiaries may have little or no personal connection to the family members who originally accumulated the wealth.

One question he recommends asking is: What's the worst thing that could happen if I leave this money to this person or family?

It's not intended to discourage generosity or create suspicion toward potential heirs. Rather, it invites you to consider how an inheritance might affect someone's relationships, character, financial decisions, and spiritual well-being.

The same principle applies to charitable giving. Before transferring significant resources to a ministry or nonprofit, it's wise to consider whether that organization is prepared to manage the gift effectively.

Ultimately, the goal is not simply to transfer resources, but to prepare the next steward to use them faithfully.

How can parents and grandparents prepare their children and grandchildren to handle an inheritance wisely? Ron offers two practical principles.

First, more is caught than taught. Children learn about money by observing how the adults around them earn, spend, save, and give. Over time, they absorb attitudes and habits that can influence their financial decisions well into adulthood.

This means the example we set may be just as important as the financial lessons we teach. Ron recalls speaking with a father who realized his children had never actually seen him give because he made all his charitable donations online. There was nothing wrong with his method of giving, but he recognized that his children were missing an opportunity to witness generosity firsthand.

Making generosity visible and inviting children into age-appropriate conversations about financial stewardship can help them understand not only how money is managed, but why it matters.

Second, we learn to manage money by managing money. Financial wisdom isn't developed through instruction alone. It requires experience, including opportunities to make decisions, face consequences, and learn from mistakes.

For younger children, that might mean managing an allowance or making purchasing decisions. As they grow older, parents might entrust them with responsibility for buying their own clothes, developing a budget, or managing a small investment account.

The goal isn't to prevent every poor decision. It's to provide opportunities for children to develop discernment while parents are still available to offer guidance.

Of course, watching our children make mistakes can be difficult. Our natural inclination is to protect them from disappointment or financial consequences. But continually rescuing them from those consequences may prevent them from developing the wisdom they'll need later.

Allowing children to learn from manageable mistakes today may help prepare them for much greater financial responsibilities tomorrow.

One common mistake in estate planning is assuming that someone is ready to manage significant wealth simply because they've reached a certain age. But financial maturity doesn't automatically arrive at 30, 40, or even 60.

Circumstances change. Relationships evolve. Financial needs and responsibilities shift over time.

Ron knows this firsthand. At 84, with children approaching their 60s and a growing family that includes grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he's seen how dramatically a family's circumstances can change across generations.

As a result, he and his wife have revisited their estate plans many times. His counsel is straightforward: Don't put your estate plan in concrete.

An estate plan that made sense when your children were young adults may no longer be appropriate decades later. Changes in marriages, family relationships, financial circumstances, and personal maturity can all influence how an inheritance might best be distributed.

Rather than treating estate planning as a one-time decision, families should revisit their plans periodically and maintain enough flexibility to respond to changing circumstances. 

The question isn't merely how old an heir is, but whether that person is prepared to steward what they receive.

When we think about inheritance, we often imagine a transfer that takes place after death. But there can be tremendous value in passing along at least a portion of our resources during our lifetime.

Ron frequently shares a memorable principle from his book Splitting Heirs: “Do your giving while you're living, so you're knowing where it's going.”

Giving during our lifetime creates two meaningful opportunities.

First, it allows us to experience the joy of seeing how those resources bless others. Whether we're helping a child purchase a home, supporting a grandchild's education, or contributing to a ministry, we can witness the impact of what God has entrusted to us.

Second, it creates opportunities to help prepare the next generation.

Rather than transferring a significant inheritance all at once, families can consider distributing resources gradually. This allows heirs to gain experience managing money while parents or grandparents are still available to offer wisdom and guidance.

It also provides an opportunity to observe how those resources are being used, which may inform future decisions.

Of course, Ron cautions that giving during our lifetime requires discernment. Financial gifts should be handled thoughtfully so they don't unintentionally interfere with marriages, parenting responsibilities, or family relationships.

The goal isn't to control how heirs use their inheritance. It's to help them develop the wisdom and character necessary to steward it faithfully.

Another important consideration is that our heirs' needs will keep changing.

As children establish careers, raise families, and become financially independent, they may no longer need the same level of financial support they once did. Meanwhile, opportunities to bless grandchildren, great-grandchildren, or charitable organizations may become more apparent.

This makes inheritance planning an ongoing process, not a single transaction.

The question isn't simply how much we should leave behind. It's how the resources God has entrusted to us can accomplish the greatest good, both now and in the generations to come.

Ecclesiastes 7:11 says, “Wisdom is good with an inheritance, an advantage to those who see the sun.”

Wealth and wisdom aren't mutually exclusive. In fact, an inheritance accompanied by wisdom can become a tremendous blessing. That's why preparing the next steward matters so much.

An inheritance may provide financial security or open doors to new opportunities, but its lasting impact depends largely on the person receiving it. By modeling faithful stewardship, creating opportunities to learn, and approaching wealth transfers with prayerful intentionality, we can help equip the next generation to handle God's resources wisely.

After all, the greatest success in passing down wealth isn't measured by how much the next generation receives, but by how faithfully they steward what they've been given.

If you'd like to explore this topic further, Ron Blue's wisdom helped shape our newest FaithFi Field Guide, How Do I Prepare the Next Steward? This resource offers biblical wisdom and practical guidance for families preparing the next generation for faithful stewardship. You can find it at FaithFi.com/Shop. 

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• 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)
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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.

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Faithful stewardship begins long before we decide how much to give. It starts with how we earn, save, invest, and use the resources God has entrusted to us.

Nearly 300 years ago, theologian John Wesley preached a sermon titled The Use of Money, offering Christians a framework for managing their finances: Make all you can, save all you can, and give all you can.

At first glance, those three principles might seem like separate financial goals. But Wesley intended something far more comprehensive. He believed that every aspect of our financial lives should reflect our love for God and neighbor.

Robin John, co-founder and CEO of Eventide Investments and author of The Good Investor: How Your Work Can Confront Injustice, Love Your Neighbor, and Bring Healing to the World, believes Wesley's teaching remains just as relevant today.

His message challenges us to consider a question that goes beyond how much money we give away: Does the way we make and manage money honor the God who owns it all?

Wesley's first principle, "Make all you can," affirms the value of productive work, business, and wealth creation. But it doesn't suggest that Christians should pursue profit at any cost.

Wesley taught that we should earn as much as we can without harming ourselves or our neighbors, whether physically or spiritually.

That distinction matters. At the heart of Wesley's teaching was a fundamental biblical truth: God owns everything. Whatever wealth we possess has been entrusted to us as stewards, not given to us as absolute owners.

This means the question isn't simply whether we can make money from a particular business, investment, or opportunity. We must also consider whether the way we earn that money honors God and serves others.

Wesley was particularly concerned about industries that profited from exploitation and addiction. He challenged Christians who accumulated wealth through harmful practices, asking them to consider what kind of inheritance they were leaving behind.

After all, what good is a financial legacy if it comes at the expense of a spiritual one?

That same question applies to modern investing. Many investors understandably focus on financial returns, but we don't always consider what our invested dollars are supporting.

Our investments aren't disconnected from the world around us. They represent ownership in companies whose products, services, and business practices affect people's lives.

Faithful stewardship invites us to consider not only whether an investment is financially productive, but also how that company contributes to or detracts from human flourishing.

For Robin John, this conviction is more than a philosophical principle. It's rooted in his family's history. 

Robin spent the first eight years of his life in India, living with his grandparents before moving to the United States. Although his family wasn't impoverished during his childhood, he grew up hearing stories of the significant hardships they had experienced before he was born.

His grandfather was a pastor and church planter who raised eight children. There were times when he struggled to provide enough food for his family, often going to bed in tears because of their circumstances.

Eventually, Robin's oldest uncle found employment and began sending money home to help support the family. But one day, he wrote his father a troubling letter. His employer was requiring him to submit false expense reports to receive money dishonestly from the government. His grandfather's response was immediate:

"We cannot receive dishonest gain. Please come back home."

Even in poverty and hunger, Robin's grandfather refused to accept money gained through dishonesty. His conviction reflected the wisdom of Proverbs 16:8:

"Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice."

To the world, such a decision might seem financially irrational. But for Robin's grandfather, faithfulness to God was worth more than financial security.

That example profoundly shaped Robin's understanding of wealth and investing. His grandfather left behind something far more enduring than financial assets: a legacy of integrity, generosity, and trust in God.

When Robin and his fellow founders established Eventide Investments in 2008, they began wrestling with many of the same questions his grandfather had faced decades earlier.

How should Christians profit? Are all sources of financial gain equally acceptable? And how can investing become an expression of love for our neighbors?

They looked to Scripture for guidance, including Proverbs 1:19, which warns:

"Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors."

Rather than evaluating companies solely by their potential financial returns, Eventide sought to consider the moral implications of their business practices. 

This meant avoiding investments in industries they believed profited from harmful activities, including pornography, tobacco, gambling, and abortion. But their approach wasn't limited to avoiding harm. They also wanted to invest in businesses whose products and practices contribute positively to the world, while encouraging those companies to improve.

That reflects an important dimension of biblical stewardship: We aren't merely called to avoid doing harm. We're called to actively pursue what is good.

Genesis 1:26 describes humanity as created in God's image and entrusted with dominion over His creation. Our work, creativity, and productivity are opportunities to cultivate what God has made for the benefit of others. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us:

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

That calling extends to our daily work, business decisions, and investment practices. Jesus reinforces this perspective in Matthew 5:16:

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Whether we're running a business, investing for retirement, or working to provide for our families, our financial activities can become opportunities to reflect God's goodness to the world.

Wesley's second principle, "Save all you can," is sometimes misunderstood as an encouragement to accumulate as much wealth as possible. But Wesley wasn't advocating for hoarding money or building financial security as an end in itself.

He was challenging Christians to stop wasting the resources entrusted to them.

Saving wisely is an important part of stewardship. It allows us to prepare for future needs, provide for our families, and remain available to meet the needs of others. But saving becomes distorted when accumulation itself becomes our ultimate goal.

Wesley's three principles were intended to work together. We earn money in ways that honor God, avoid wasting those resources on unnecessary excess, and remain ready to use what we have for the good of others.

The purpose of saving isn't simply to have more. It's to manage God's provision wisely so that we can use it faithfully.

Wesley's final principle, "Give all you can," brings the entire framework together. But there's a crucial connection between the first and third principles that Christians can easily overlook.

The way we make money should tell the same story as the way we give it away.

Wesley understood that a generous gift doesn't justify dishonest or harmful business practices. We cannot excuse wrongdoing simply because we intend to use some of the proceeds for charitable purposes. The Apostle Paul makes this connection clear in Ephesians 4:28:

"Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need."

Notice the progression. Paul calls believers to turn away from dishonest gain, work honestly and productively, and use the results to bless others.

In other words, generosity isn't disconnected from how wealth is created. The two belong together. For Robin, that conviction also shaped how Eventide approached generosity.

When the company was founded, its operating agreement committed to directing 65% of its profits to charity or donor-advised funds. Rather than waiting until the company became successful to make decisions about generosity, its founders established that commitment from the beginning.

Robin explains that this approach helps address a challenge many people experience: As wealth increases, it can become increasingly difficult to let go of it. Making intentional decisions about generosity before wealth accumulates can help us maintain a healthy perspective on ownership.

It's a practical acknowledgment that everything ultimately belongs to God.

Of course, faithful generosity will look different in different circumstances. The goal isn't to impose a particular percentage on every Christian, but to cultivate a heart that recognizes God's ownership and seeks to use His resources for His purposes.

John Wesley's framework offers a compelling vision for Christian stewardship because it refuses to separate our financial decisions from our spiritual lives.

Making, saving, and giving aren't isolated activities. They're interconnected expressions of how we understand God's ownership and our responsibility to love our neighbors.

We honor God when we earn money through honest work that serves others. We honor Him when we save wisely rather than wastefully consuming everything we receive. And we honor Him when we give generously, recognizing that the resources in our hands were never ultimately ours to begin with.

Robin John's grandfather demonstrated that faithfulness may sometimes require us to turn away from financial opportunities that compromise our convictions. His example reminds us that the greatest inheritance we can leave behind isn't necessarily measured in dollars, but in a life lived with integrity before God.

Perhaps the most important question we can ask isn't simply, "How much should I give?"

It's "How can every dollar God has entrusted to me accomplish good for His glory and the benefit of others?"

That's the heart of faithful stewardship: not merely managing money well, but managing God's money God's way.

• My home is worth about $220,000 to $230,000, and I owe roughly $160,000. If I pay down $40,000 to $50,000, could that give me enough equity to qualify for a reverse mortgage?
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• Become a FaithFi Partner
• Eventide Investments
• The Good Investor: How Your Work Can Confront Injustice, Love Your Neighbor, and Bring Healing to the World by Robin John
• John Wesley’s “The Use of Money” Sermon
• Zillow
• Movement Mortgage
• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine
• FaithFi Field Guide: How Do I Prepare the Next Steward?
• 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

Robin John is the co-founder and CEO at Eventide Asset Management, LLC. Views expressed in this podcast are intended for information purposes and do not constitute investment advice. Eventide does not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. Eventide's values-based approach to investing may not produce desired results and could result in underperformance compared with other investments. There is no guarantee that any investment will achieve its objectives, generate positive returns, or avoid losses.

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.

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Financial literacy matters, but for Christians, knowing how money works is only the beginning. True financial wisdom involves understanding not just how to manage money, but why we manage it and whom we're ultimately serving.

For Gen Z and young adults, developing healthy financial habits can lay the foundation for a lifetime of faithful stewardship. And even something as ordinary as choosing where to bank can become an opportunity to put biblical values into practice.

Aaron Caid, Chief Marketing Officer at AdelFi Christian Banking, shares how parents, families, and financial institutions can help the next generation develop a biblical perspective on money.

Young adults face significant financial challenges, and recent research reveals just how important financial education has become.

According to the 2025 TIAA Institute–GFLEC Personal Finance Index, Gen Z respondents correctly answered only 38% of basic financial literacy questions, compared with 55% among baby boomers.

These findings highlight a concerning gap in financial knowledge. But as Caid explains, financial literacy alone isn't enough.

Someone can understand budgeting, investing, and saving while still developing an unhealthy relationship with wealth. Without a foundation of biblical stewardship, financial knowledge can just as easily become a tool for materialism as a means of honoring God.

Biblical stewardship begins with recognizing that God owns everything and has entrusted us with resources to manage according to His purposes. Scripture provides a framework for those decisions, encouraging believers to prioritize:

• Giving generously to others.
• Providing for their families.
• Meeting their financial obligations.
• Saving wisely for future needs.
• Gratefully enjoying God's provision.

These principles help young adults approach money differently from the surrounding culture. Rather than measuring financial success solely by how much they accumulate, they can learn to evaluate their decisions through the lens of faithfulness, contentment, and generosity.

While financial education is valuable, some of the most influential lessons young people receive about money come from watching their parents.

Caid openly acknowledges that he didn't model financial management as well as he could have when his children were younger. Now that they're young adults, he's still working to reinforce some of those lessons.

His experience underscores an important truth: Financial stewardship is often caught as much as it is taught.

Children learn about money not simply through conversations about budgeting or saving, but by observing how their parents make everyday financial decisions.

Do they see generosity practiced consistently? Do they witness contentment rather than constant striving for more? Do they understand why their family saves, avoids unnecessary debt, or chooses to live within its means?

These ordinary decisions can become meaningful opportunities for discipleship.

Financial health is rarely the result of one extraordinary decision. More often, it's developed through small, faithful habits repeated over time. Budgeting consistently, saving regularly, giving generously, and learning contentment all contribute to a healthier relationship with money.

When parents explain the biblical convictions behind those practices, they help their children understand that stewardship isn't merely a financial responsibility. It's part of following Christ.

Financial discipleship also involves helping young adults see that their faith can shape decisions they might otherwise treat as purely practical.

One example is choosing where to bank. For many people, banking is simply transactional—a place to deposit money, pay bills, and access financial services. But Caid encourages Christians to consider how their choice of financial institution might also reflect their values.

At AdelFi Christian Banking, that philosophy shapes how the institution serves its members. As a Christian financial institution, AdelFi serves individuals, families, churches, and ministries while seeking to reinforce biblical principles of stewardship.

Its banking solutions include savings products, digital tools, and mobile banking services designed to help members manage their finances. At the same time, its mission emphasizes supporting Christian ministries and advancing Kingdom work.

For young Christians, this provides another opportunity to recognize that faith and finances aren't separate areas of life. Banking isn't just about where we keep our money. It's another opportunity to consider how the resources God has entrusted to us can serve His purposes.

Of course, choosing a financial institution still requires careful consideration of practical factors such as fees, accessibility, security, and available services. Faithful stewardship involves both biblical alignment and sound financial judgment.

Ultimately, the goal of financial discipleship isn't simply to raise a generation of financially successful adults. It's to help young people recognize that everything they possess belongs to God and that every financial decision presents an opportunity to honor Him.

That perspective can transform the way they earn, spend, save, give, and even bank.

Parents don't have to model perfect financial management to begin teaching these lessons. They can start by having honest conversations, demonstrating consistent habits, and inviting their children to see money through the lens of God's generosity.

And for young adults just beginning their financial journeys, those same principles offer a foundation for making wise decisions that reflect their faith.

Financial literacy teaches us how to manage money. Biblical stewardship teaches us how to manage it for God's glory.

AdelFi Christian Banking has served Christ followers, churches, and ministries for more than six decades, helping members align their everyday banking decisions with their biblical values. 

FaithFi listeners can earn up to a $400 bonus when opening qualifying new accounts, including eligible savings products.

To learn more about AdelFi Christian Banking and explore the available offers, visit FaithFi.com/Banking and use the promotional code FAITHFI.

• I’ve heard concerns about countries moving away from the U.S. dollar. How stable is the dollar today, and is there a real risk of major destabilization or collapse?
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• Become a FaithFi Partner
• AdelFi Christian Banking
• National Christian Foundation (NCF)
• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine
• FaithFi Field Guide: How Do I Prepare the Next Steward?
• 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.

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Setting goals can be a wise and worthwhile pursuit. Whether we're building a career, saving for retirement, improving our health, or investing in our families, goals help us live with purpose and intentionality. But how do we pursue our ambitions without allowing success to define us?

Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps."

God never intended for our accomplishments to become the measure of our worth. Our identity is secure in Christ, not in what we achieve. That means we can dream boldly, plan wisely, and work faithfully while trusting God with the results.

Bestselling author and entrepreneur Jordan Raynor explores this tension in his book, Redeeming Your Goals: Seven Biblical Principles for Achieving Your Goals with Christ-like Confidence, Consistency, and Character. His message is that Christians don't need less ambition. We need ambition that reflects the heart and purposes of God.

Is ambition itself a problem for Christians? Not according to Raynor.

Jesus Himself lived with a clear purpose. Colossians 1:19–20 describes the remarkable scope of His redemptive work: 

"For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."

And throughout Scripture, believers are called to live intentionally. In Ephesians 5:15–16, Paul writes, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."

The problem, then, isn't necessarily our goals. It's why we're pursuing them and how we measure their success.

Raynor calls Christians to pursue what he describes as redemptive quests—goals pursued with, like, and for God, for His glory and the good of others rather than our own fame or fortune.

Even ordinary ambitions, such as building a business, improving our physical health, or saving for retirement, can become opportunities to glorify God when pursued with the right motives. But there are counterfeit quests that can quietly redirect our ambitions away from God's purposes. Raynor identifies three common examples:

• Renown: Seeking recognition, influence, or personal fame instead of serving others.
• Recreation: Making personal pleasure, experiences, and bucket-list achievements our ultimate pursuits.
• Retirement: Viewing the later years of life as an opportunity to abandon meaningful work in favor of endless leisure.

None of these concerns means that recognition, recreation, or retirement savings are inherently wrong. The danger comes when they become the defining purpose of our lives.

Consider retirement. Preparing financially for a season when we may no longer be able to work for pay is an act of wise stewardship. But retirement from paid employment doesn't mean retirement from God's purposes. 1 Corinthians 15:58 encourages believers:

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

Retirement, then, can become an opportunity to redirect our time and experience toward mentoring, serving, volunteering, and investing in future generations.

Another important principle in Redeeming Your Goals is what Raynor calls "baptizing your imagination."

Too often, our goals are limited by what we believe we can accomplish through our own strength. Yet Scripture continually reminds us that God's power and purposes extend far beyond our limitations.

Consider the disciples. When Peter imagined forgiving someone seven times, Jesus challenged him to think far beyond that number. When Andrew saw only five loaves and two fish, Jesus demonstrated how those modest resources could feed thousands.

Raynor suggests that Jesus was challenging His disciples to consider not merely what they could accomplish, but what God could accomplish through them.

The distinction is important. The point isn't to have greater confidence in ourselves, but to place our confidence in a greater God.

And God's definition of an extraordinary goal often looks different from the world's.

The world may celebrate building a multimillion-dollar business or achieving widespread influence. But in God's Kingdom, adopting a child, faithfully raising a family, serving a neighbor, or sharing the gospel with a handful of people can have an impact that stretches across generations.

A goal doesn't have to be impressive by worldly standards to be significant in God's eyes. Our calling is to consider what God might accomplish through our faithfulness, even when the results seem small or remain unseen.

One of the greatest challenges in pursuing meaningful goals is understanding the relationship between hard work and dependence on God.

Scripture affirms both. Deuteronomy 8:18 declares, "You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day." 

Yet Colossians 3:23 also instructs us, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."

So are we supposed to work hard or trust God? The biblical answer is both.

Raynor points to a helpful distinction: Our responsibility is faithfulness; the results belong to God.

Think of a farmer planting seeds. He prepares the soil, plants carefully, and tends his crops. But he cannot manufacture the harvest. Growth ultimately depends on conditions beyond his control.

Similarly, we can prepare diligently, make wise decisions, and pursue our goals with excellence without believing that everything depends on us.

This perspective also changes how we approach rest.

If we believe every outcome depends on our effort, stepping away from work can feel impossible. There's always another task to complete, another opportunity to pursue, or another problem to solve. But rest reminds us that we are not sovereign over our circumstances.

We can work diligently and rest confidently because God remains at work even when we aren't. Faithfulness calls us to do what God has entrusted to us, not to assume responsibility for what only He can accomplish.

Pursuing meaningful goals requires more than identifying what we should do. It also requires discerning what we should stop doing.

For many of us, saying no is difficult. We want to be helpful, dependable, and available whenever someone needs us. But even good opportunities can distract us from our most important responsibilities.

Raynor challenges the assumption that Jesus lived without boundaries. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus intentionally withdraw from crowds, prioritize prayer, and stay focused on the work His Father had given Him.

He didn't respond to every demand or pursue every available opportunity. His example reminds us that saying no isn't necessarily selfish. Sometimes it's essential to faithful stewardship.

Every yes requires something of us—our time, attention, energy, or resources. And when we continually say yes to everything, we may leave too little room for the responsibilities God has specifically entrusted to us.

That might mean declining another professional opportunity to be present with family. It could mean stepping away from a worthwhile commitment to give more attention to our health, church, or relationships.

The goal isn't simply to accomplish more. It's to become more intentional about what matters most.

Even when our goals are well-intentioned, progress rarely follows a straight line.

Eventually, most worthwhile pursuits encounter what Raynor calls "the messy middle"—the season when progress slows, obstacles multiply, and we begin questioning whether to continue.

Our culture often celebrates perseverance as the only acceptable response. But Scripture presents a more nuanced picture.

In Matthew 10:14, Jesus instructs His disciples, "And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town."

In other circumstances, Jesus demonstrates extraordinary perseverance, most profoundly through His willingness to endure the cross.

These examples remind us that there isn't always one appropriate response to difficulty. Raynor identifies three possible paths when a goal becomes challenging:

• Persevere: Continue faithfully when the goal remains worthwhile, and the obstacles call for endurance.
• Pivot: Change your strategy while maintaining the underlying purpose.
• Quit: Recognize when continuing a particular pursuit is no longer the wisest or most faithful course.

Knowing which path to take requires discernment. Rather than assuming that quitting always represents failure or that perseverance always demonstrates faithfulness, we can seek wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and the counsel of trusted believers.

Sometimes faithfulness looks like continuing despite discouragement. Other times, it means humbly acknowledging that God may be directing us toward something different.

Our responsibility is not to force every ambition to succeed, but to remain attentive to God's leading.

Ultimately, redeeming our goals begins with remembering who we belong to.

When our identity rests in our achievements, success can become a source of pride, and failure can leave us questioning our worth. But when our identity is rooted in Christ, we are free to pursue meaningful ambitions without being controlled by their outcomes.

We can work wholeheartedly without making work our identity. We can save responsibly without making financial security our ultimate hope. We can pursue extraordinary goals while remaining content with ordinary acts of faithfulness.

And we can recognize that the greatest measure of a life well lived isn't how much we accomplish for ourselves, but how faithfully we use what God has entrusted to us for His glory and the good of others.

So dream boldly, plan wisely, and work faithfully. But hold the outcomes with an open hand, remembering that our calling is faithfulness, while the results ultimately belong to God.

• My in-laws want to transfer their home to my wife and me before they die. What tax issues should we consider, and how would the cost basis be determined if we later sell or pass it on?
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• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money
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• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
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Generosity is often something we practice on our own. We identify a need, support a ministry, or give to a cause we care about. But what happens when we invite others to join us?

Giving circles offer a way to make generosity more collaborative, relational, and joyful. When believers come together with a shared purpose, their collective giving can make a meaningful difference—not only in the lives of those receiving support but also in the hearts of those giving.

Lacie Stevens, Senior Partner at Generous Giving, has seen this firsthand. After spending more than two decades as a financial advisor, her perspective on stewardship changed dramatically when she attended her first Generous Giving conference in 2007. Today, she helps others discover the joy of generosity through shared experiences and meaningful connections.

Her message is simple: Generosity doesn't have to be something we practice alone.

A giving circle is a group of people who intentionally come together to pool their resources, pray about needs, and decide how they can support individuals, organizations, or ministries.

The concept is straightforward, but its impact can extend far beyond the financial gifts themselves.

Lacie explains that giving becomes more personal and life-giving when it's experienced in community. Rather than making giving decisions in isolation, participants have an opportunity to learn from one another, discover needs they might otherwise overlook, and encourage each other to respond.

In a culture where many people feel disconnected, giving circles create opportunities for authentic relationships centered on a shared desire to serve others.

They also remind us that generosity is about more than transferring resources. It's an opportunity for spiritual growth.

When we talk openly about needs, pray together, and encourage one another to act, we begin to see generosity as something we're invited to participate in rather than simply another financial obligation. And sometimes, the encouragement of others helps us act on an opportunity we might otherwise hesitate to pursue.

Although giving circles may be growing in popularity, the heart behind them is hardly new.

In Acts 2 and 4, we see a remarkable picture of generosity within the early church. Believers shared their possessions, cared for one another's needs, and demonstrated a unity that reflected their common faith in Christ. Acts 4:32 describes the community this way:

"Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common."

Their generosity was an expression of their shared life in Christ. They recognized that what they possessed could be used to care for one another.

Modern giving circles may operate differently, but they reflect a similar desire to use God's resources for the good of others. And the beauty of this approach is that it isn't reserved for people with extraordinary wealth.

One of the biggest misconceptions about collaborative giving is that it requires substantial financial resources. In reality, a giving circle might consist of a few families, a Bible study group, or several friends who contribute modest amounts toward a shared purpose.

The individual gifts may be small, but their combined impact can be meaningful. Of course, some giving circles have grown into much larger efforts.

Lacie recalls a group of four women in Fort Lauderdale who were inspired to start a giving circle after attending a Journey of Generosity retreat about 15 years ago.

They began with a shared vision of supporting ministries in their community. Over time, their circle continued to grow, and together they have given more than $2 million.

It's a remarkable example of what can happen when people unite around a common purpose. But the lesson isn't that every giving circle should aspire to give away millions. It's that generosity can begin with a few willing people and a desire to make a difference.

As Lacie reminds us, "Biblical generosity has never been reserved for the wealthy, and God cares deeply about faithfulness, not comparison."

Giving circles can also create meaningful opportunities for families to practice generosity across generations.

Parents and grandparents often think carefully about passing financial resources to the next generation. But what about passing along the values, wisdom, and convictions that shaped how those resources were managed?

Collaborative giving allows families to do both. Instead of simply telling children or grandchildren which organizations to support, families can invite them into the process. They can discuss needs, learn about ministries, pray together, and make decisions as a group.

This gives younger generations an opportunity to discover what matters to them while learning from the experiences of older family members.

It's also a reminder that preparing the next generation for stewardship involves more than teaching them how to manage wealth. It means helping them understand the purpose behind it.

As financial teacher Ron Blue has often said, "Do your giving while you're living, so you're knowing where it's going."

When families practice generosity together, they have the joy of witnessing its impact while cultivating habits and values that can endure for generations.

Starting a giving circle doesn't have to be complicated.

Lacie recommends beginning with people you already know. Invite a few friends or family members to have a conversation about needs in your community and the causes that matter to you. From there, consider a few simple steps:

1. Gather a small group. Start with friends, family members, or fellow church members who share an interest in generosity.
2. Pray together. Ask God for wisdom and discernment as you consider opportunities to serve.
3. Identify a need. Look for individuals, ministries, or organizations where your combined resources could make a meaningful difference.
4. Decide how to participate. Determine what each person can contribute willingly and responsibly, without comparison or pressure.
5. Stay connected. Continue meeting, praying, and learning together as you see how your giving makes a difference.

There's no requirement to begin with a large commitment or a formal structure. The important thing is creating space for people to discover the joy of generosity together. And if you're interested in joining an established giving circle, you may find groups already operating in your community.

For those who want to explore generosity more deeply, Generous Giving offers an experience called the Journey of Generosity, often referred to as a JOG.

These small-group retreats typically bring together 12 to 14 people for approximately 24 hours of Bible study, personal stories, meaningful conversations, and prayerful reflection.

The experience isn't designed to solicit donations or pressure participants into making financial commitments. Instead, it creates space to reflect on God's generosity and consider how that generosity might shape our own lives.

For Lacie, one of the most meaningful parts of the retreat is a period of quiet reflection when participants spend time listening and praying. She describes her own first Journey of Generosity as a profound, life-changing experience.

Generous Giving provides retreat materials and trained facilitators at no cost. The organization also offers free online retreats for those who may not be able to participate in person.

You can learn more or explore opportunities to participate at GenerousGiving.org.

The lasting impact of a giving circle isn't measured solely by the amount of money contributed or the number of needs addressed.

It's also found in the relationships strengthened, the compassion cultivated, and the ways our hearts become more attentive to the needs of others.

When we practice generosity together, we encourage one another to see beyond our individual circumstances and recognize opportunities to participate in what God is doing. And we may discover that the joy of giving is something worth sharing.

You don't need extraordinary wealth, a large group, or an elaborate plan to begin. Sometimes all it takes is a few friends, a willing heart, and a shared desire to love your neighbors well.

Because generosity isn't simply about what we give away. It's also about what God cultivates in us as we learn to give together.

To explore this topic further, read Lacie Stevens' article on the power of giving circles in the latest issue of Faithful Steward magazine. You can receive every issue by becoming a FaithFi partner at FaithFi.com/Give.

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When Christians think about faithful stewardship, generosity often comes to mind first. We ask how much we should give, where our gifts should go, and how we can use our resources to bless others. But what about the money we don't give away?

Faithful stewardship extends beyond charitable donations. It includes our savings, investments, businesses, and everything else God has entrusted to our care. And that raises an important question: How can we use all of our resources, not just what we give, to advance God's purposes?

Aimee Minnich, Co-Founder, Chief Impact Officer, and General Counsel of the Impact Foundation, helps Christians explore that question by aligning their investments with their faith to promote human flourishing.

Traditionally, Christians have approached generosity by asking three questions: What should I give? How should I give? And where should I give?

Minnich believes there's a fourth question worth considering: What would God have me do with everything I own before I give it away?

If we believe that God owns everything and that we're simply stewards of His resources, then our responsibility extends to every financial decision we make. This doesn't diminish the importance of charitable giving. Generosity remains an essential expression of God's grace at work in our lives. But giving is part of a much larger stewardship responsibility.

Our savings, investments, and businesses are also opportunities to honor God. Rather than separating the money we give from the money we keep, we can begin viewing everything He's entrusted to us through the same lens of faithfulness.

Businesses are often evaluated primarily by their ability to generate profits, create jobs, and provide goods and services. While those are important contributions, Minnich encourages Christians to recognize that business can accomplish something even greater.

Consider the opportunities businesses create for employees to use their God-given abilities, for customers to receive valuable services, and for communities to experience economic stability.

When a company treats its employees with dignity, serves customers with integrity, and develops products that genuinely improve people's lives, its daily operations can reflect biblical principles.

In other words, a business doesn't have to wait until it distributes its profits to make a meaningful difference. The work itself can become an expression of loving our neighbors. This perspective also helps us understand why charitable giving and investing should be viewed as complementary approaches rather than competing priorities.

Charity is essential, especially when people face immediate needs. When someone is hungry, providing a meal can be a direct expression of Christlike compassion. During disasters, famines, and other crises, charitable assistance can save lives. But lasting economic transformation may require something more.

Minnich recalls visiting a small village in southern Ethiopia near the Kenyan border. Famine, drought, and political instability had left residents struggling to survive. Emergency assistance provided food that literally saved lives. Yet as time passed, the community also needed opportunities for employment, training, and economic independence. That's where business can play an important role.

By creating sustainable jobs and equipping people with valuable skills, businesses can help communities build toward long-term flourishing. Charity responds to urgent needs, while investment can help develop lasting opportunities. Both have an important place in faithful stewardship.

If businesses can contribute to human flourishing, then the investments we make in those businesses deserve thoughtful consideration.

As Minnich explains, investing isn't spiritually neutral. The companies we support through our investments influence the world around us, whether we recognize that influence or not.

Fortunately, Christians have a growing number of opportunities to consider both financial performance and biblical convictions. Minnich identifies three primary approaches:

1. Screening investments: Avoiding companies or industries whose activities conflict with biblical values.
2. Engaging with companies: Encouraging businesses to improve their practices through dialogue, shareholder engagement, and other forms of influence.
3. Embracing positive investments: Intentionally directing capital toward businesses that serve people, strengthen communities, and contribute to human flourishing.

These approaches aren't necessarily mutually exclusive. Investors may use several together as they seek to manage their resources wisely. And while some opportunities involve private businesses or specialized investment funds, others may be available through more familiar investments, including mutual funds and exchange-traded funds.

The goal isn't simply to build a portfolio that avoids certain activities. It's also to consider how our investments might contribute positively to the world God loves.

Of course, investing involves more than considering a company's values. Financial performance matters, too.

Christians have legitimate responsibilities to provide for their families, prepare for future needs, and manage their resources prudently. 

So how should we balance the desire for strong investment returns with the opportunity to accomplish good?

Minnich believes this tension deserves careful consideration. Some investors may willingly accept lower financial returns because an investment provides meaningful social or spiritual benefits. Others may determine that sacrificing returns would compromise their ability to fulfill important financial responsibilities.

Neither decision should be made automatically. Before accepting a lower return, investors should consider whether the anticipated benefits justify that trade-off. Likewise, pursuing the highest possible return deserves examination when it comes at the expense of other important values.

The underlying question isn't simply: How much money can this investment make?

It's also: What is this investment accomplishing, and how does it fit within the responsibilities God has entrusted to me?

Financial returns and meaningful impact aren't always competing objectives. But when trade-offs arise, prayerful discernment, sound financial analysis, and wise counsel can help us navigate them.

Another important distinction involves the difference between investing personal savings and investing funds already designated for charitable purposes.

Personal investments often serve specific financial responsibilities. They may help fund retirement, provide for children's education, or support family members with ongoing needs. Those obligations should influence decisions about investment risk, returns, and liquidity. Charitable capital, however, has a different purpose.

For example, money contributed to a donor-advised fund or private foundation has already been irrevocably committed to charitable purposes. While those funds await distribution, they may remain invested.

Minnich encourages donors to consider an often-overlooked question: Do I know what those charitable dollars are invested in while they're waiting to be granted?

Rather than viewing charitable investments merely as a temporary holding place, donors may have opportunities to recommend investments that generate financial returns while also supporting meaningful economic, social, or spiritual outcomes. Because these resources have already been designated for charitable use, donors may approach their investment objectives differently than they would with their personal retirement savings.

Of course, any such strategy must account for the applicable legal requirements, investment risks, and policies of the charitable organization managing those funds.

The broader principle remains the same: Every resource entrusted to us deserves thoughtful stewardship.

For Christians interested in exploring this approach, Minnich recommends beginning not with a particular investment product, but with prayer and reflection.

Ask God how He has uniquely equipped you. Consider the resources He's placed in your care and the responsibilities He's given you. Then ask how you might use those resources to honor Him and serve others.

Not every Christian will make the same investment decisions. Our financial circumstances, responsibilities, convictions, and opportunities will differ. But all of us can approach investing with a greater awareness that our financial choices extend beyond ourselves.

Faithful stewardship isn't only about what we give away. It's also about what we do with everything God allows us to keep. When we begin asking how our savings, investments, businesses, and other resources can reflect God's character, we discover new opportunities to participate in His work in the world.

To learn more about investing charitable capital for economic, social, and spiritual transformation, visit ImpactFoundation.org.

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• Right From the Start (Ages 11-15) from Compass Financial Ministry
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• 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
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Owning rental property is a little like ordering pizza with anchovies. It might be just what you're looking for, but it's certainly not for everyone.

Rental real estate can be a valuable investment, providing additional income and the potential for long-term appreciation. But unlike owning stocks or mutual funds, rental property requires ongoing attention, financial resources, and a willingness to handle unexpected challenges.

Before becoming a landlord, it's important to understand both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with owning rental property.

There are several reasons why rental real estate appeals to investors.

1. A Steady Stream of Income

One of the biggest attractions of rental property is the potential for consistent monthly income. When tenants pay rent, that money can help cover your expenses while providing additional cash flow.

Of course, if you have a mortgage, a significant portion of your rental income may go toward the monthly payment. You'll also need to account for insurance, property taxes, maintenance, and periods when the property is vacant.

The goal is positive cash flow—earning more from the property than it costs to own and operate.

2. Potential Property Appreciation

Real estate can also increase in value over time. If your property appreciates, you may eventually sell it for more than you originally paid.

However, appreciation isn't guaranteed. Property values fluctuate based on market conditions, location, and other factors. And when you sell, any profit may be subject to capital gains taxes.

3. Tax Advantages

Rental property ownership comes with potential tax benefits. The IRS generally allows landlords to deduct certain expenses associated with maintaining and operating rental properties, including mortgage interest, insurance, property taxes, repairs, and maintenance.

You may also qualify for depreciation deductions, which allow you to recover the cost of the building over time. However, depreciation reduces your property's adjusted tax basis and can increase your taxable gain when you eventually sell. Major improvements generally must be capitalized rather than deducted immediately.

Because these rules can be complicated, it's wise to consult a qualified tax professional.

4. Opportunities for Personal Use

Some investors purchase vacation properties, such as beach houses or mountain cabins, that they rent out seasonally while occasionally enjoying themselves.

The IRS has specific rules for properties used for both rental and personal purposes. Generally, if your personal use exceeds the greater of 14 days or 10% of the days the property is rented at a fair rental price, the property is considered a home for tax purposes, potentially limiting rental expense deductions.

Even when personal use falls below that threshold, expenses must be appropriately divided between rental and personal use.

5. Renting Property You Already Own

You don't necessarily have to purchase another house to become a landlord. You might be able to rent out a basement apartment, an additional room, or another portion of your existing home. This could provide additional income without requiring a major real estate purchase.

Depending on your circumstances, you may also qualify to deduct a portion of certain expenses associated with the rental space.

While the potential benefits are appealing, rental property also comes with significant responsibilities and financial risks.

1. A Substantial Upfront Investment

Purchasing rental property often requires a sizable down payment, closing costs, and additional funds to prepare the property for tenants.

If you're financing the purchase, you'll need to charge enough rent to cover your mortgage and other expenses while still generating positive cash flow. And remember, unexpected repairs and vacancies can quickly reduce your profits. Maintaining adequate cash reserves is essential.

2. Limited Liquidity

Unlike money in a savings account or investments that can be sold relatively quickly, real estate is generally considered an illiquid asset.

If you suddenly need access to the money you've invested in a rental property, selling it could take months. You may also face transaction costs and unfavorable market conditions.

That's why it's important not to tie up too much of your available savings in a single property.

3. Expenses Beyond Your Control

As a landlord, you'll face expenses that can increase without warning.

Property taxes and insurance premiums may rise. Major appliances may fail. A roof might need replacing. Changes in the surrounding neighborhood could also affect rental demand and property values.

These are risks you can't eliminate entirely, but you can prepare for them by maintaining adequate reserves and carefully evaluating the property's long-term financial outlook.

4. Maintenance and Repairs

Owning rental property means being responsible for keeping it in good condition.

That might involve routine lawn care and minor repairs, but it could also mean receiving a phone call in the middle of the night about a broken water pipe or malfunctioning heating system.

Are you comfortable handling those responsibilities yourself? Or would you prefer to hire a property management company?

Professional management can make ownership more manageable, but those services come at a cost, often taking a meaningful percentage of your rental income.

5. The Responsibilities of Being a Landlord

Perhaps the most overlooked challenge is managing tenants.

You'll need to advertise vacancies, screen prospective renters, collect payments, and address concerns. You may encounter tenants who consistently pay late or fail to care for the property. And sometimes, you'll face difficult decisions.

What happens when a tenant experiences financial hardship and can't pay the rent? You'll naturally want to respond with compassion and understanding. But you must also recognize your financial responsibilities and know when firmer action may be necessary.

In some circumstances, that could mean pursuing eviction in accordance with applicable laws.

Being a good landlord requires more than financial knowledge. It calls for patience, sound judgment, clear communication, and a willingness to balance compassion with responsibility.

Rental property can be a rewarding investment, but financial potential alone shouldn't determine whether it's right for you.

Consider your financial situation, available savings, willingness to assume risk, and capacity to manage the property. Just as importantly, think about your temperament. Do you have the time, patience, and flexibility to handle the responsibilities of being a landlord?

For some people, rental property can be an excellent way to build long-term wealth and generate additional income. For others, the demands and uncertainties may outweigh the potential benefits.

Neither conclusion necessarily reflects a lack of financial wisdom. Good stewardship means understanding the resources, opportunities, and responsibilities God has entrusted to you and making thoughtful decisions about how to manage them.

And as with any major financial decision, don't make it alone. Seek wise counsel, carefully evaluate the numbers, and invite God into the process through prayer. James 1:5 offers this encouragement:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

Ultimately, the question isn't simply whether rental property could make you money. It's whether owning it would be a wise and faithful use of the resources God has placed in your care.

• My 85-year-old relative wants to sell his home and give the proceeds to his heirs now. Would that be wise, or would it be better for the property to pass as an inheritance?
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• My wife and I have about $20,000 in high-interest unsecured debt. Is a debt-settlement program like Freedom Debt Relief worth considering, or are the risks too great?
• Would remodeling my home be a wise investment if it required about 25% of my retirement savings?

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• 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
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Jesus never promised us a life without trouble. In John 16:33, He tells His disciples, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Those words remind us that difficulty is an unavoidable part of life, but we never have to face it alone. Whether we're navigating financial uncertainty, a family crisis, or an unexpected loss, God's presence and faithfulness remain constant.

Howard Dayton, author, teacher, and founder of Compass Financial Ministry, has spent decades helping Christians apply biblical wisdom to their finances. In his book Your Money Counts, he explores an important question: How should we respond when the storms of life threaten to overwhelm us?

For Howard, that question is deeply personal.

Years ago, Howard and his wife, Bev, were in the process of adopting their second child, a newborn boy named Andrew.

When Andrew was just a few months old, they began noticing problems with his eyesight. A visit to an ophthalmologist revealed that he was blind. Further examinations uncovered something far more devastating: Andrew had been born with only a brainstem.

Andrew lived for seven years, requiring extraordinary care throughout his short life. Howard and Bev loved him deeply, but the physical and emotional demands were exhausting. 

That experience taught their family something about the unpredictable nature of life's difficulties. Some crises develop gradually, giving us time to prepare. Others arrive without warning. Some resolve quickly, while others become long and painful journeys. Some result from our decisions, while others are entirely beyond our control. 

And many bring significant financial consequences.

Job loss, medical emergencies, family deaths, and unexpected expenses can place enormous pressure on our resources and relationships. When those pressures accumulate, even the strongest families can feel overwhelmed.

Howard emphasizes that one of the most important things couples can do during these seasons is communicate. Rather than allowing stress to create distance, he encourages husbands and wives to set aside time each day to talk honestly about what they're experiencing.

The goal isn't to solve every problem immediately. It's to listen, understand, and ask a simple question: How can I best support you right now?

When difficulties arise, our first instinct is often to focus on everything that's going wrong. But Howard believes the most important question isn't simply how we'll overcome the crisis. It's whether we remember who God is in the middle of it.

Scripture reminds us that God is loving, faithful, and intimately involved in our lives. His character doesn't change when our circumstances do.

That's a truth we can easily forget when hardship continues longer than expected.

Howard points to the prophet Jeremiah, who knew what it meant to experience suffering and despair. In Lamentations 3, Jeremiah describes his affliction and the bitterness weighing on his soul.

Yet in the middle of his grief, he remembers God's steadfast love and declares that His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:21–23). Notice that Jeremiah's circumstances haven't necessarily changed. His hope comes from remembering the character of the One who remains faithful even in suffering.

The same is true for us. When financial pressures mount, or an unexpected crisis changes our plans, we may not immediately understand what God is doing. But we can trust that His love hasn't diminished and that His presence hasn't disappeared.

Our circumstances may be uncertain, but God's faithfulness is not.

One of the most difficult questions we face during a crisis is why God allows suffering.

Scripture doesn't provide a specific explanation for every hardship. But it does assure us that suffering doesn't place us beyond God's care or His ability to work in our lives.

James 1:2–4 reminds believers that trials can produce steadfastness, helping us grow toward spiritual maturity. Howard has experienced that truth through profound personal loss.

Years after caring for Andrew, he walked alongside Bev through a five-year battle with breast cancer that eventually spread to her bones. Following her death, Howard reflected on how those painful years had changed him. He recognized that his relationship with Christ had deepened and that he had grown in his love for others.

That doesn't make the suffering itself good or erase the grief of losing someone we love. Rather, it demonstrates that God can continue working in us even through circumstances we would never have chosen.

Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works for the good of those who love Him. This isn't a promise that every situation will resolve according to our expectations. It's an assurance that hardship cannot ultimately frustrate God's purposes for His people.

The same principle applies to financial difficulties. A financial crisis may reveal habits that need to change, priorities that need reconsidering, or areas where we need greater wisdom. At other times, financial hardship comes through circumstances entirely outside our control.

We shouldn't assume that every difficulty is God's discipline or that someone experiencing financial hardship has been unfaithful. But whatever the cause, we can seek God's wisdom and trust that He remains present with us.

So what should we do when we're facing a financial crisis?

Howard encourages Christians to begin with two foundational principles: Trust God and apply the wisdom of His Word.

Trusting God doesn't mean ignoring our circumstances or pretending everything is fine. It means remembering that our security ultimately rests in Him rather than in our ability to control every outcome. And applying biblical wisdom requires more than simply knowing what Scripture says about money. We must put those principles into practice.

That may involve reassessing our spending, seeking wise counsel, communicating honestly with our families, or making difficult adjustments to our financial plans. It also means resisting the temptation to let fear dictate every decision.

During uncertain times, our natural instinct is often to hold tightly to whatever resources we have. Yet Scripture provides a remarkable example of believers who responded differently.

In Acts 11:27–30, the prophet Agabus foretold a severe famine throughout the Roman world. The early Christians knew that difficult circumstances were approaching. They could have responded by thinking only about their own security. Instead, they looked for ways to help others.

Acts 11:29 tells us that the disciples determined, “every one according to his ability,” to send relief to fellow believers living in Judea. Their generosity was neither reckless nor compulsory. Each person contributed according to what they could provide. 

That's an important distinction. Biblical generosity doesn't require us to neglect our families or ignore our financial responsibilities. But it does invite us to consider the needs of others, even when our own circumstances are uncertain.

The early Christians understood that their resources were entrusted to them by God. And because they trusted their Provider, they were free to look beyond themselves.

The storms of life rarely arrive when we're ready for them. They interrupt our plans, challenge our assumptions, and sometimes leave us wondering how we'll move forward. But Scripture reminds us that our hope isn't dependent on a trouble-free life.

Jesus didn't tell His disciples they would never experience tribulation. He told them to take heart because He had overcome the world. That's the foundation of our confidence.

We may not be able to prevent every financial setback, avoid every painful circumstance, or understand everything God allows. But we can seek His wisdom, lean on His promises, and take the next faithful step. And as Howard Dayton's story reminds us, even in seasons of profound difficulty, God's love remains steadfast.

The peace Jesus promises isn't found in the absence of life's storms, but in the presence of the Savior who has overcome them.

To learn more about Howard Dayton's work and biblical financial stewardship, visit CompassFinancialMinistry.org. 

• I’m 68, still working, and plan to retire at 70. My wife and I are paying about $1,400 a month in Medicare IRMAA surcharges. What tax or investment strategies could help lower those costs, especially after I retire?
• I’ve tried to give faithfully over the years, even when money was tight. Looking back, I’ve seen God provide in unexpected ways, including through an income stream I never anticipated.

• Become a FaithFi Partner
• Compass Financial Ministry
• Your Money Counts: The Biblical Guide to Earning, Spending, Saving, Investing, Giving, and Getting Out of Debt by Howard Dayton
• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine
• FaithFi Field Guide: How Do I Prepare the Next Steward?
• 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.

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Your investments can do more than grow your portfolio. They can also create meaningful opportunities to bless others and support the work of God's Kingdom.

As the end of the year approaches, many Christians begin thinking about charitable giving. But generosity doesn't have to come exclusively from a checking or savings account. Your investment portfolio may offer additional ways to give, sometimes with valuable tax advantages.

Brian Mumbert, President and CEO of Timothy Plan, a pioneer in the world of faith-based investing, joined the show today to discuss how Christians can incorporate generosity into their investment strategies.

Before considering the financial benefits of charitable giving, it's important to remember why we give in the first place.

Scripture teaches that everything we possess ultimately belongs to God. Our responsibility is to manage His resources faithfully, recognizing that what He's entrusted to us can be used to serve others.

1 Peter 4:10 reminds us, "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."

That perspective transforms how we approach investing. Rather than viewing investments solely as a means of accumulating wealth, we can recognize them as another opportunity to practice faithful stewardship.

For Timothy Plan, this conviction has shaped the company's mission since its founding in 1994. Beyond helping investors align their portfolios with biblical values, the firm has supported ministries ranging from pregnancy resource centers to Christian media and initiatives that equip entrepreneurs.

Mumbert recalled a favorite saying of Timothy Plan founder Art Ally, who often quoted Christian businessman R. G. LeTourneau:

"I shovel out the money, and God shovels it back, but God has a bigger shovel."

While generosity doesn't guarantee financial prosperity, LeTourneau's words reflect a life shaped by the conviction that what God provides is meant to be used for purposes greater than ourselves.

For Christians interested in incorporating generosity into their investment strategy, Mumbert highlighted two practical approaches worth considering.

1. Donate Appreciated Investments Directly

If you own stocks, mutual funds, or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that have increased in value, you may be able to donate those assets directly to a qualified charitable organization.

This approach can offer an advantage over selling the investments and donating the proceeds. When you sell an appreciated investment, you may owe capital gains taxes on the profit. However, donating the investment directly to an eligible charity can generally allow you to avoid recognizing those capital gains.

Depending on how long you've held the investment and your individual tax situation, you may also qualify for a charitable deduction.

The result? More of your investment's value may go directly toward supporting the ministry or cause you care about.

2. Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution From Your IRA

For individuals age 70½ or older, a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) offers another opportunity to give.

A QCD allows you to transfer funds directly from an eligible IRA to a qualifying charitable organization. When the requirements are met, the distribution is excluded from taxable income. Additionally, if you're required to take minimum distributions (RMDs) from your IRA, a QCD can count toward satisfying that obligation.

This can be particularly helpful for retirees who want to support charitable causes while managing the tax implications of their retirement income.

Of course, both approaches involve specific eligibility requirements and tax considerations. Working with a qualified financial or tax professional can help you determine whether either strategy makes sense for your circumstances.

One of Mumbert's most practical recommendations is to begin planning charitable gifts well before the end of the year.

Unlike writing a check, transferring investments can require additional paperwork and coordination between your financial institution and the receiving organization. Before initiating a gift, consider these important steps:

• Identify the organizations you want to support. Begin with prayerful consideration of the ministries and causes that reflect your convictions.
• Confirm that the charity can receive your gift. Not every organization is equipped to accept securities or other noncash contributions.
• Consult a trusted financial advisor. A Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) can help you consider both the financial and biblical dimensions of your giving decisions.
• Allow sufficient processing time. Starting early can help ensure your contribution is completed before the year-end deadline.

While tax advantages can make charitable giving more efficient, Mumbert emphasized that they shouldn't become our primary motivation. The goal isn't simply to reduce our taxes. It's to use what God has entrusted to us to bless others.

Generosity is also connected to a broader question: How can Christians honor God through the investments they choose to own?

Timothy Plan has sought to answer that question through biblically responsible investing, which considers both financial objectives and the activities investors support through their portfolios. In 2026, Timothy Plan expanded its investment offerings with three new ETFs:

• TPFC — Free Cash Flow ETF: Focuses on companies demonstrating strong free cash flow and financial characteristics.
• TPFG — Free Cash Flow Growth ETF: Emphasizes companies with strong free cash flow and growth characteristics.
• TPFI — Fixed Income ETF: An actively managed fund focused primarily on fixed-income securities.

Each incorporates Timothy Plan's biblically responsible investment screening methodology, offering investors additional ways to align their investment decisions with their Christian convictions.

Investing wisely is an important part of faithful stewardship. We save and invest to provide for our families, prepare for future needs, and manage God's resources responsibly. But growing our wealth is never meant to become an end in itself.

Our investments can also become instruments of generosity, allowing us to participate in the work God is doing through churches, ministries, and charitable organizations. And sometimes, the very resources we've been setting aside for tomorrow can become an opportunity to bless someone today.

Our investments may grow in value over time, but their greatest significance is found in how we use them to love God and serve others.

To learn more about biblically responsible investing and Timothy Plan's investment offerings, visit TimothyPlan.com.

• How is the new tax treatment for overtime handled—through my employer’s withholding or when I file my tax return?
• Would it be appropriate to designate part of my giving to support my pastor, who serves full-time but receives no salary from the church?
• My in-laws want to transfer their home to us before they die. What tax consequences should we consider, especially if we later sell it?
• My brother and I own an S corporation and are nearing retirement. Can we take distributions instead of wages? And if I claim Social Security before full retirement age and my benefits are reduced because I keep working, are those benefits permanently lost?

• Become a FaithFi Partner
• Timothy Plan
• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine
• FaithFi Field Guide: How Do I Prepare the Next Steward?
• 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.

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Someday, someone else will steward the resources God has entrusted to you. But will they be prepared for that responsibility?

Many families devote considerable time and attention to estate planning. They establish wills, create trusts, and develop strategies to transfer assets efficiently. Those are important steps, but they address only part of the challenge.

Preparing the next steward involves more than preparing an inheritance. It involves preparing the person who will receive it.

David Wills, President Emeritus of the National Christian Foundation (NCF) and a contributor to FaithFi's newest Field Guide, How Do I Prepare the Next Steward?, joined the show today to discuss how families can pass down not only financial resources but also the wisdom, character, and biblical values needed to steward them faithfully.

When families begin discussing wealth transfers, they often turn immediately to financial tools and tax strategies. While those considerations matter, Wills believes a more important starting point exists. He encourages families to approach the process by asking three questions:

1. Why? Why has God entrusted these resources to us in the first place?
2. What? What do we hope to accomplish through the accumulation, investment, use, and eventual transfer of those resources?
3. How? What financial tools and strategies will help us accomplish those objectives?

Too often, families begin with the third question without adequately considering the first two. The goal isn't simply to transfer assets efficiently. It's to ensure those resources continue to be managed wisely and faithfully.

Ecclesiastes 7:11–12 reminds us of the value of wisdom alongside an inheritance. Financial resources can create opportunities, but wisdom helps us use them well.

That leads to a guiding principle from FaithFi's new Field Guide: Prepare heirs for assets, not just assets for heirs.

And preparation shouldn't be limited to children or grandchildren. For married couples, the surviving spouse may be the first person to assume responsibilities previously managed by the other. Both spouses should understand their finances and feel equipped to make important decisions.

Jesus' parable of the talents in Matthew 25 offers a helpful picture of stewardship. In the parable, a master entrusts different amounts to his servants according to their abilities. Each servant is then accountable for how he manages what he has received.

While the parable ultimately speaks to faithfulness to God, it also invites us to consider how people handle the responsibilities already entrusted to them.

Wills encourages families to observe the everyday decisions of those who may eventually receive an inheritance.

How do they manage smaller responsibilities? How do they respond to mistakes or unexpected challenges? Do they seek wise counsel? Are they growing in generosity and financial maturity?

Rather than making assumptions based on age or family relationships, these questions help us understand someone's readiness for greater responsibility. And perhaps most importantly, we should model the kind of stewardship we hope to see in the next generation.

If we want our children to be generous, they need opportunities to observe generosity in our lives. If we want them to make wise financial decisions, we should invite them to understand how and why we make ours.

Fortunately, preparing someone for stewardship doesn't have to happen all at once.

Wills suggests a simple progression that resembles discipleship: observe, participate, decide, and lead.

At first, children might simply observe their parents making financial decisions. As they mature, they can participate in those decisions, eventually making smaller choices independently before assuming greater responsibility.

Consider three familiar areas of financial stewardship: giving, saving, and spending.

Instead of treating these as private activities, families can practice them together. Parents might invite their children to help select a charitable organization, establish savings goals, or evaluate a purchase.

Wills has put this principle into practice in his own family by establishing charitable giving funds for his children. When they use those funds for generosity and contribute additional money, he and his wife offer matching contributions within established limits.

The arrangement provides practical experience while encouraging generosity.

It also gives parents a chance to see how their children make decisions, what matters to them, and how their understanding of stewardship develops.

Of course, not every lesson will come from success. Wills emphasizes the importance of sharing our financial mistakes and what we've learned from them. Those experiences can become some of the most valuable lessons we pass along.

One of the most difficult questions in estate planning is whether every heir should receive an equal share.

Wills believes the answer requires careful consideration because fairness and equality aren't always the same thing. Rather than starting with how much can be distributed, families might ask what each person needs and which assets best suit their circumstances, abilities, and responsibilities.

For example, imagine a family business in which only one child is actively involved. Dividing ownership equally among several siblings who have no interest in the business could create significant challenges for its future management.

Similarly, a child who loves agriculture might find farmland especially meaningful, while another family member might treasure a collection of books or artwork.

Recognizing those differences can be appropriate, but Wills offers an important caution: Unequal distributions require thoughtful communication.

Without explanation, even well-intentioned decisions can leave family members feeling confused, hurt, or overlooked. That's why conversations about inheritance should begin long before an estate is settled. Families need opportunities to discuss their values, intentions, and the reasoning behind significant decisions.

And while different circumstances may justify different distributions, unequal treatment isn't automatically the wisest approach. The goal should be to exercise discernment while preserving relationships and honoring each person's dignity.

After all, an inheritance should bless the next generation, not create unnecessary division.

Preparing the next steward also means recognizing that the resources we manage extend far beyond money.

We steward our relationships, knowledge, experience, skills, and opportunities to serve others. These forms of capital may be even more valuable than the financial assets we leave behind. And the people we influence don't have to be our children or grandchildren.

Wills shares a remarkable example involving Pete and Deb Ochs, who operate a manufacturing facility inside a prison near Wichita, Kansas. Wanting to help incarcerated men experience the joy of generosity, they identified several charitable organizations and invited the men to choose where they wanted to give.

The invitation came with an added encouragement: Pete and Deb would match their donations. 

Although the men had limited financial resources, their response was extraordinary. The experience gave them a chance to make meaningful decisions, practice generosity, and help meet others' needs.

It's a powerful reminder that preparing the next steward isn't exclusively about transferring an inheritance. It's also about helping people recognize what they've already been entrusted with and encouraging them to use it faithfully.

For someone who has spent years preparing an estate but relatively little time preparing the people who will receive it, the process can feel overwhelming.

Wills encourages a simpler approach: Start with one person and one conversation. Consider who might eventually receive the resources you manage. Then begin discussing what faithful stewardship looks like.

What have you learned about earning, saving, spending, and giving? What financial mistakes have shaped your thinking? What biblical convictions guide your decisions? And what responsibilities could you begin sharing today?

These conversations don't require a large estate or a sophisticated financial plan. They simply require intentionality.

Wills also encourages families to seek guidance from trusted financial advisors who understand that wealth transfer involves more than financial calculations. An experienced advisor can help families think through the practical, relational, and personal dimensions of preparing the next generation.

Ultimately, the greatest inheritance we leave may not be what we give someone, but what we've helped them become.

Financial assets may change hands in a single day. Wisdom, character, generosity, and faithfulness are cultivated over a lifetime. And that's why preparing the next steward is a responsibility worth embracing today.

FaithFi's newest Field Guide, How Do I Prepare the Next Steward?, helps individuals and families look beyond the financial aspects of wealth transfer and consider the character, spiritual, and relational dimensions of preparing those who come after them.

Whether you're thinking about your spouse, children, grandchildren, or others who may one day steward the resources God has entrusted to you, this guide offers a practical framework for beginning those important conversations.

Get your copy today or place a bulk order at FaithFi.com/Shop.

• My 10-year term life policy is expiring, and I’m retired with other assets. Should I convert to a smaller policy or let the coverage end?
• I have about $17,000 in credit card debt and live on Social Security. What’s the safest way to manage or consolidate the debt without resorting to debt settlement?

• Become a FaithFi Partner
• National Christian Foundation (NCF)
• Christian Credit Counselors
• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine
• FaithFi Field Guide: How Do I Prepare the Next Steward?
• 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.