Faith & Finance

As our nation celebrates Independence Day and marks the 250th anniversary of our founding, it’s worth pausing to thank God for the freedoms we enjoy. We have the freedom to worship, work, give, speak, serve, and live with opportunities many people around the world do not have.

Those are gifts worth receiving with gratitude.

But Scripture points us to a freedom even deeper than national liberty. For the Christian, freedom is not simply the ability to do whatever we want. It is not the removal of all restraint, and it is certainly not permission to live for ourselves.

Biblical freedom is the freedom Christ gives us from the power of sin so that we can love God and serve others.

Jesus says in John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” That is the deepest freedom any person can know: freedom from condemnation, freedom from slavery to sin, and freedom from the false masters that promise life but cannot give it.

The apostle Paul writes in Galatians 5:1, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

But later in that same chapter, Paul helps us understand what Christian freedom is for. Galatians 5:13 says, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

That is important. Freedom is not merely something we possess. It is something we steward.

Peter says it this way in 1 Peter 2:16: “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.”

Christian freedom is not the freedom to be ruled by worldly desires. It is the freedom to no longer be ruled by them. It is the freedom to say no to sin, no to selfishness, no to the world’s definition of the good life, and yes to God.

And that has everything to do with the way we handle money.

True financial freedom is not measured by what we have, but by what no longer has a hold on us.

We may say we are free, but fear can still control our decisions. Comparison can still shape our spending. Comfort can still become our highest goal. Accumulation can still feel like our source of security. The desire for control can still keep our hands closed, even as God invites us to trust Him.

That is why Jesus says in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and money.”

Money is a good tool, but a terrible master. It can be received with gratitude, managed with wisdom, and used for love of neighbor. But when it becomes our master, it distorts everything and leaves us empty.

As evangelist Billy Sunday once said, “The fellow that has no money is poor. The fellow who has nothing but money is poorer still.”

Hebrews 13:5 gives us a beautiful picture of financial freedom: “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have.”

Why can we live that way? Because the verse continues, “for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”

Contentment is possible because God is present. Generosity is possible because God provides. Wisdom is possible because God owns it all. And open-handed living is possible because Christ has set us free.

That does not mean financial stewardship is always easy. Many people are carrying real burdens—debt, rising expenses, medical bills, job uncertainty, or the pressure of providing for a family. But even in those places, Christ invites us into a deeper freedom: not freedom from every difficulty, but freedom from fear as our master.

We belong to the One who will never leave us or forsake us.

So this Fourth of July weekend, let’s thank God for the freedoms we enjoy. But let’s also ask Him for a deeper freedom: the freedom to no longer be ruled by fear, greed, comparison, or control.

In Christ, we are free to love God. Free to serve our neighbor. Free to use money as a tool for His purposes. Free to live with open hands because our treasure is secure in Him.

That is the heart of everything we do here at FaithFi. We exist to help Christians see God as their ultimate treasure so they can manage God’s money God’s way.

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You can become a partner today at FaithFi.com/Give.

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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In The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis wrote, “Prosperity knits a man to the world. He feels that he is finding his place in it, while really it is finding its place in him.”

That is a sobering warning. Prosperity can be a blessing from God, but it becomes dangerous when it begins to shape our identity. Wealth itself is not the problem. The danger comes when our possessions begin to speak for us—when they become a way of saying, Look how successful I am. Look how secure I am. Look how important I’ve become.

That temptation is not new. We see it clearly in the life of King Hezekiah.

Hezekiah was one of Judah’s better kings. Scripture tells us he trusted in the Lord, removed idols, and led the people back toward faithful worship. When Jerusalem was threatened by Assyria, Hezekiah prayed, and God miraculously delivered the city.

Around that same time, Hezekiah became gravely ill. Once again, God showed him mercy and extended his life by fifteen years.

So Hezekiah had much to testify about. He had seen God’s deliverance. He had received God’s mercy. He had literally been spared from death. But then came a test.

2 Kings 20 tells us that envoys arrived from Babylon after hearing about Hezekiah’s illness. They brought letters and a gift, and Hezekiah welcomed them.

Verse 13 says, “And Hezekiah welcomed them, and he showed them all his treasure house, the silver, the gold, the spices, the precious oil, his armory, all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his house or in all his realm that Hezekiah did not show them.”

There was nothing he did not show them.

Hezekiah had a golden opportunity to point these visitors to the God who had healed and delivered him. Instead, he opened his vault.

Hezekiah’s failure was not that he had treasure. His failure was that he magnified what he owned rather than the God who gave it.

His wealth became his testimony.

Later, the prophet Isaiah came to Hezekiah and asked a piercing question: “What have they seen in your house?” Hezekiah answered, “They have seen all that is in my house; there is nothing in my storehouses that I did not show them.”

Isaiah’s response was sobering. The very wealth Hezekiah had displayed would one day be carried off to Babylon.

It is a powerful warning for us. Hezekiah treated God’s provision as a monument to his own success. He forgot that everything in his storehouses had first been entrusted to him by the Lord.

Wealth becomes spiritually dangerous the moment we look at what we have and say, “Look what I built,” instead of, “Look what God has done.”

Jeremiah 9:23 says, “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches.”

That verse names three things people have always been tempted to trust: intelligence, influence, and wealth. We are drawn to whatever makes us feel strong, secure, or significant.

But the next verse gives us a better boast: “But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me.”

That is the only boast that lasts. Not what we own. Not what we earn. Not what we build. Not what others think of us.

Our true boast is that we know the Lord—the God of steadfast love, justice, and righteousness.

So what does Hezekiah’s story mean for us as modern-day stewards?

First, we should ask whether wealth has begun creeping into our identity. 

There is nothing wrong with enjoying God’s provision. Scripture teaches us to receive His gifts with gratitude. But provision should lead us toward worship, humility, and generosity—not self-importance.

When we begin to believe that our possessions prove our worth, success, or security, we are no longer simply using wealth. We are allowing it to define us.

That is a dangerous place for the heart.

Second, we should ask what our possessions are pointing to.

A home, a car, a vacation, a wardrobe, or a lifestyle can easily become a subtle way of saying, “Look at me.” We may not say it out loud, but our hearts can still use possessions to seek approval, admiration, or status.

Faithful stewardship flips the script. Instead of saying, “Look what I have,” it says, “Everything I have has been entrusted to me by God.”

That shift changes how we hold our possessions. We can enjoy them without worshiping them. We can use them without needing them to prove something about us. We can share them because they were never truly ours to begin with.

Third, we should practice hidden faithfulness.

In Matthew 6, Jesus warns against doing righteous things in order to be praised by others. Whether giving, praying, or fasting, He calls His people away from performance and toward sincerity before the Father.

That principle applies to stewardship, too.

Faithfulness is not about being seen as generous, successful, disciplined, or impressive. It is about honoring God with what He has entrusted to us.

Sometimes the healthiest stewardship happens quietly: a gift no one knows about, a sacrifice no one applauds, a wise decision no one sees, or a generous act that never becomes a story we tell about ourselves.

Hidden faithfulness helps loosen the grip of pride.

The apostle Paul brings all of this into perspective in 1 Corinthians 4:7 when he asks, “What do you have that you did not receive?”

That question is a safeguard for the soul. Your income, abilities, opportunities, possessions, influence, and resources are all gifts. Yes, we work. Yes, we plan. Yes, we make decisions. But underneath every good thing we have is the kindness and provision of God.

Wealth is a tool, not a trophy. It is a gift, but it is not our glory. So if we are going to boast, may we boast in the One who gave it all to us.

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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Debt always costs more than the interest rate.

It can affect your budget, your marriage, your margin, and even your ability to respond freely when God leads. That doesn’t mean borrowing is always wrong. But it does mean Christians should approach debt carefully, prayerfully, and with wisdom.

Ron Blue, a pioneer in biblically wise financial planning and co-founder of Kingdom Advisors, joined the show today to discuss principles from his article, “Five Rules for Borrowing,” featured in the latest issue of our Faithful Steward magazine.

Here are several key questions to ask before taking on debt.

Ron’s first rule is that borrowing always mortgages the future. When you borrow money today, you commit future income to yesterday’s decision.

That’s why it’s important to consider whether the economic return is greater than the economic cost.

In some cases, borrowing may help you purchase something that can grow in value or produce long-term benefits, such as a home or a business. But that is very different from borrowing for things that immediately decline in value.

Credit cards and auto loans are common examples. While using a credit card for convenience and paying it off every month can be reasonable, carrying credit card debt to fund consumption is a dangerous pattern.

As Ron put it, borrowing to build wealth is one thing. Borrowing for something that steadily loses value is another. That road can quickly lead to bondage.

The second rule is simple but often overlooked: never presume upon the future.

When you borrow, you are making an assumption about tomorrow. You assume your income will continue. You assume your health will remain stable. You assume your circumstances will allow you to repay what you owe.

But life does not always unfold the way we expect. Jobs change. Markets shift. Health challenges come. Unexpected expenses arise.

That’s why every borrowing decision needs a clear repayment plan. Before taking on debt, ask, “How will I pay this back?” If the answer depends on overly optimistic assumptions, it may be wise to pause.

Borrowing without a sure path to repayment can create unnecessary pressure and reduce financial flexibility.

Debt not only affects a balance sheet. It affects the whole household.

That is why Ron’s third rule is that spouses should be in full agreement before any borrowing takes place.

Husbands and wives often think differently about money. They may have different experiences, fears, preferences, and priorities. One spouse may be more comfortable with risk, while the other feels the weight of debt more deeply.

Those differences are not necessarily wrong. In fact, they can be a gift.

Ron reminds couples that God does not give us a spouse to frustrate us, but to complete us. When spouses slow down, listen well, and work through disagreements, they often make wiser decisions together than either would make alone.

But when borrowing decisions are made without unity, they can create resentment, tension, and a growing sore spot in the marriage.

Before taking on debt, couples should ask: “Are we truly united in this decision?”

Ron’s fourth principle may be the most surprising: never deny God an opportunity to provide.

Before borrowing, it is worth asking: Have I prayed about this? Have I asked God for wisdom? Have I considered whether there may be another way to meet this need?

Sometimes borrowing feels like the fastest solution. But speed is not always the same as wisdom.

God may provide through delayed timing, a different opportunity, a generous gift, a creative solution, or simply a change in desire. He may also confirm that borrowing is the right path. But the key is not to leave Him out of the decision.

Wise stewardship means bringing our needs before the Lord and giving Him room to lead.

Debt is not always sinful, but it is never neutral. It places a claim on future income and can shape a household's freedom, peace, and flexibility.

Before you borrow, ask whether the debt makes economic sense, whether you are presuming upon tomorrow, whether you and your spouse are in agreement, and whether you have given God an opportunity to provide.

For Ron Blue’s full article, “Five Rules for Borrowing,” become a FaithFi Partner at FaithFi.com/Give. FaithFi Partners receive Faithful Steward magazine every quarter, along with other resources to help them integrate faith and financial decisions for the glory of God.

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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1 Corinthians 4:2 says, “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”

Faithful stewardship does not happen by accident. The choices we make with money can either create unnecessary pressure or help us manage God’s resources with wisdom, margin, and faithfulness.

Here are six financial choices that can help us steward well what God has entrusted to us.

Proverbs 27:23 says, “Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.”

For us, that means knowing what is coming in, what is going out, and whether our spending reflects our values. Without a plan, money tends to drift. A budget helps us practice faithfulness with what God has provided.

A spending plan is not about restriction for its own sake. It is about clarity. It helps us make decisions with purpose instead of simply reacting to whatever feels urgent in the moment.

Most of us need reliable transportation. We need to get from point A to point B safely. But it is easy to confuse reliable transportation with a vehicle that strains the budget.

According to Kelley Blue Book, the average new vehicle transaction price was more than $49,000. Experian reports that the average monthly payment for a new vehicle reached $770. And that is before insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, and depreciation.

At FaithFi, we generally prefer being free and clear of car debt when possible. That may mean buying used, driving a car longer, or choosing function over status.

The point is not to impress others with what we drive. The goal is to get where we need to go safely and wisely.

Proverbs 22:7 says, “The borrower is the slave of the lender.”

That does not mean all borrowing is sinful. But borrowing should never be treated casually. If we go into debt, we should make sure the economic benefit outweighs the cost.

The question is not simply, “Can I afford the payment?” A better question is, “Will this strengthen my financial position, or will it create more pressure later?”

Debt often makes today feel easier while making tomorrow more difficult. Wise stewardship requires us to look beyond the monthly payment and consider the long-term cost.

Cars break down. Medical bills come. Jobs change. Homes need repairs.

Proverbs 21:20 says, “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.”

Saving is not hoarding when it is done with humility and wisdom. An emergency fund can help us avoid high-interest debt and make decisions prayerfully rather than desperately.

Preparedness does not mean we are trusting in money instead of God. It means we are stewarding what He has provided so we can respond wisely when needs arise.

Homeownership can be a worthy goal, but owning a home is not the definition of financial faithfulness. Renting is not a waste when it provides affordable shelter and flexibility.

The danger comes when we feel pressured to buy simply to say we have “made it.” If the payment is too large, we may become house poor—owning a home but lacking margin for giving, saving, repairs, utilities, food, transportation, and other necessities.

We typically recommend keeping housing costs at 25-30% of take-home pay. We also generally recommend a 20% down payment when possible. But the goal is not simply to get into a house. The goal is to maintain affordable shelter and utilities while stewarding the rest of the budget.

Recent housing data shows why this matters. A typical family earning the national median income needed about 32% of its income to cover the mortgage payment on a median-priced home.

If homeownership is possible within wise limits, that is wonderful. But if renting allows you to maintain margin and faithfulness, do not despise it.

Investing may not feel urgent when there are bills to pay today. But if your employer offers a retirement match, failing to contribute enough to receive it may leave part of your compensation unused.

This is not about trusting in wealth for security. 1 Timothy 6:17 reminds us not to set our hopes “on the uncertainty of riches, but on God.”

But trusting God does not mean ignoring wise preparation. If a workplace match is available, it can be a practical opportunity to steward well what has been provided through your employment.

So where do we begin?

Not with guilt or fear, but with honesty and surrender. Stewardship means being responsible in both the big and small financial decisions because everything we have belongs to God.

That includes the budget, the car, the debt decision, the emergency fund, the housing payment, and the retirement match. None of these choices is isolated. Together, they shape how we manage what God has entrusted to us.

If you need help setting up a budget, tracking your spending, or creating a plan, check out the FaithFi app at FaithFi.com/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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Credit card rewards can look like easy money, especially when you hear stories of people earning flights, hotel stays, and cash bonuses simply by opening new cards. But one increasingly popular strategy—known as credit card churning—may carry more risk than reward.

As Christians, we’re called to think about financial tools with wisdom, not just ask whether something is technically allowed or potentially profitable. The better question is this: Does this help me become a more faithful steward of what God has entrusted to me?

Credit card churning is the practice of opening new credit cards primarily to earn sign-up bonuses. A person opens a card, spends enough to qualify for the bonus, collects the reward, and then moves on to the next offer.

On the surface, it may sound clever. After all, if a card offers hundreds of dollars in rewards, why not take advantage of it?

But for most people, the strategy is far more complicated than it appears.

Opening multiple credit cards can trigger hard inquiries on your credit report. It can reduce the average age of your accounts. It can create more payment due dates to manage. And many card issuers have become more restrictive with these offers than they were in years past.

Some companies limit how often you can receive a bonus. Others may claw back rewards if they believe the system has been abused. And even when everything goes according to plan, one missed payment, one overlooked annual fee, or one spending requirement that encourages unnecessary purchases can quickly erase the benefit.

For most people, it is simply more effort than it is worth.

A simpler setup—a reliable rewards card, a debit card, and perhaps a business card if needed—will meet most needs without adding unnecessary risk.

That does not mean all credit card rewards are unwise. If someone pays the balance in full every month, tracks spending carefully, and already lives within a healthy budget, rewards can provide real value.

A cash-back card may reduce everyday expenses. A travel card may help with a planned trip. And credit cards often provide stronger fraud protections than debit cards.

But here is the key: rewards should enhance good financial habits, not compensate for weak ones.

A rewards card is not a solution for overspending. It is not a substitute for a budget. And it should never become an excuse to buy more than you planned simply to earn points.

If you carry a balance, the interest will almost always outweigh the rewards.

It may make sense to open a credit card when someone has already demonstrated financial consistency.

That means they pay bills on time. They track their spending. They are not carrying consumer debt. They have a stable plan for their money.

In that context, a credit card may help build credit history and provide useful benefits.

But it is wise to be cautious about opening a new card if you are already carrying credit card debt, struggling to manage monthly expenses, recovering from missed payments, or tempted to spend more because of rewards.

The issue is not simply whether a credit card is good or bad. The issue is whether it supports faithfulness—or creates unnecessary temptation and complexity.

Some argue that rewards benefit financially healthy cardholders at the expense of those in debt. Others point out that rewards are often funded through merchant fees, which businesses agree to pay when they accept cards.

There is a moral dimension worth considering, but we should be careful not to oversimplify it.

Rewards are generally tied to creditworthiness and financial behavior. Many households at a variety of income levels can qualify for rewards by building strong habits, maintaining a good credit score, and using credit responsibly.

So the better focus is not shaming someone for receiving rewards. It is helping more people develop the wisdom and discipline to use financial tools responsibly.

Credit card churning also reveals how personality shapes financial decisions.

Some people love optimization. They enjoy spreadsheets, rules, deadlines, and the feeling of “winning the game.” Others need simplicity and predictability.

But personality does not determine financial faithfulness. Habits do.

Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”

Credit card churning often appeals to the hasty part of us—the part that wants quick gain, clever advantage, and immediate reward. But Scripture calls us to something better: diligence, patience, contentment, and faithful stewardship.

Before chasing the next bonus, ask a better question:

Does this help me become a more faithful steward of what God has entrusted to me?

If the answer is no, it may be best to leave the reward on the table and choose the freedom of simplicity instead.

The best financial strategy is not the one that squeezes every possible point out of the system. It is the one that helps you live faithfully, give generously, avoid bondage, and remember that everything you have belongs to God.

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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Do you know whether your retirement plan is on track, or are you simply hoping it is?

Whether retirement is years away or just around the corner, it’s wise to pause and take a closer look at your plan today. A retirement checkup can help you know where you stand, identify potential gaps, and make adjustments before small issues become major problems.

Many people know they should be saving, but they’re less certain whether they’re saving enough. That’s where a thoughtful review can bring clarity—not just about the numbers, but about faithful stewardship in the season ahead.

No single rule of thumb fits everyone. Your retirement goal depends on many factors, including when you retire, how long you live, your lifestyle, your health, your generosity goals, and whether you’ll have income from Social Security, a pension, rental property, or part-time work.

Still, benchmarks can be helpful. As a starting point, one common guideline is to aim for about 10-12 times your income by age 67.

The point isn’t to become discouraged if you’re behind. The point is to know where you stand. Once you have a clearer picture, you can make wise adjustments.

Your spending number may be even more important than your savings balance. A million dollars can be plenty for one household and not nearly enough for another because spending determines how much income your portfolio must produce.

Start with your current budget, then consider what may change in retirement. Will your mortgage be paid off? Will travel increase? Will transportation costs go down? Will you support adult children or aging parents? Will you downsize, relocate, or stay where you are?

Those questions help you see not only what retirement may cost, but also what kind of stewardship this next season may require.

It’s also important to think carefully about how much you’ll withdraw from your savings each year.

A common guideline has been the 4% rule, first developed by financial planner William Bengen. He has since updated his research, suggesting the number may be closer to 4.7% with a more diversified portfolio. Fidelity describes it more broadly as a 4%-5% sustainable withdrawal range.

So, if you retire with $500,000, you might begin by withdrawing around $20,000 to $25,000 in the first year, then adjust over time.

Of course, this is not a guarantee, and it does not mean you’ll never touch the principal. Your actual withdrawal rate should depend on your age, health, investment mix, inflation, market conditions, and whether your essential expenses are covered by guaranteed income.

The danger is assuming you can withdraw 8%, 10%, or even 12% from your portfolio every year without consequences. For most retirees, that’s not a plan. It’s a countdown.

Medicare is a blessing, but it doesn’t cover everything. Retirees may still face premiums, deductibles, co-pays, prescription costs, dental care, vision care, hearing expenses, and more.

Long-term care is a separate issue altogether.

Recent estimates suggest that a 65-year-old retiring today may need well over $170,000 for health care costs throughout retirement—and that does not include long-term care. For a married couple, health care becomes a major planning item.

That’s why it’s important to prepare in advance and not assume Medicare will cover every need.

For many retirees, Social Security will be one of the largest sources of guaranteed income.

You can claim benefits as early as age 62, but doing so can permanently reduce your monthly benefit by as much as 30%. Delaying past full retirement age until age 70 can increase your benefit by 8% for each full year you wait—up to 24% if your full retirement age is 67.

Of course, delaying is not always the right answer. Health, family history, income needs, marital status, and work plans all matter. But because this is often a permanent decision, it’s worth looking carefully before you claim.

As you approach retirement, your portfolio may need to become more conservative. But that doesn’t mean moving everything to cash.

Retirement may last 20 or 30 years, and inflation can quietly erode your purchasing power over time. A wise allocation should balance the need for stability with the need for continued growth.

This is one area where trusted counsel can be especially helpful. A Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) can help you think through your investments, income needs, and long-term stewardship goals through a biblical lens.

Finally, remember that retirement is not the end of stewardship.

Psalm 92 says of the righteous, “They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green” (Psalm 92:14).

That’s a richer vision than simply withdrawing from work and responsibility. Retirement is not about drifting. It’s about faithfulness in a new season.

So yes, check the numbers. Know your savings target. Build a realistic spending plan. Prepare for health care. Understand Social Security. Review your investments.

But also ask, “Lord, what fruit do You want to grow in this season of my life?”

If you’d like help reviewing your retirement plan with an advisor who shares your biblical values, visit FindACKA.com to connect with a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®).

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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It’s easy to assume generosity will grow over time. We tell ourselves we’ll give more after we earn more, save more, pay off debt, or reach a certain level of financial security. But what if waiting causes us to miss something God wants to do today?

That’s the question Cody Hobelmann invites us to consider. Cody is a Certified Financial Planner, a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®), and co-founder of the Finish Line Pledge with his brother, Keelan. He also contributed to FaithFi’s new field guide, How Much Money Is Enough?—a resource designed to help believers think biblically about setting financial finish lines.

For Cody, this isn’t merely a financial planning concept. It’s personal. Early in his stewardship journey, he believed the best way to serve the Kingdom was to accumulate substantial wealth and give generously later. But over time, God began to reshape that perspective.

“I started to wonder,” Cody shared, “what am I missing by not giving more today?”

That question gets to the heart of biblical generosity. Giving is not only about transferring money to a worthy cause. It is also about joy, spiritual formation, trust, and eternal impact.

Acts 20:35 says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

For some believers, generosity begins with the heart. They discover that giving produces a joy that spending and saving cannot replicate. When we give, we step into something larger than ourselves. We participate in the needs, stories, and mission of others.

That joy can become contagious.

As Cody explained, generosity often draws us into relationships with people and organizations doing meaningful work. We begin to see the impact of our gifts. We share in the purpose of the ministry. We become part of a story God is writing through His people.

And the more we experience that joy, the harder it becomes to put generosity off until later.

Giving now also allows us to encourage others. Stories of generosity can awaken generosity in someone else. Cody noted that hearing the stories of radically generous givers helped challenge his own assumptions. In the same way, our generosity can become an invitation for others to ask, “What are they experiencing that I’m missing?”

Generosity doesn’t just meet needs. It multiplies.

Other givers are motivated by what Cody describes as the “soul” dimension of giving. For them, generosity is part of spiritual formation.

Giving requires trust. It asks us to surrender something we may feel we have earned, controlled, or secured for ourselves. That first step can be the hardest, because it often exposes what we really believe about God’s provision.

But like a muscle, generosity grows stronger with practice.

At first, giving may feel difficult or like a sacrifice. But as we give consistently, we learn to listen for the Lord’s leading and respond with obedience. Over time, generosity becomes less about fearfully letting go and more about joyfully participating in God’s work.

This is one reason giving now matters. Delayed generosity may preserve our resources, but it can also delay the work God wants to do in our hearts.

Through generosity, God loosens our grip on money. He shifts our identity away from what we have, what we earn, or what we can control, and roots it more deeply in Him. Accumulation may give the illusion of safety, but generosity teaches us dependence.

Giving becomes a way of saying, “Lord, these resources belong to You. What would You have me do with them?”

That kind of prayerful surrender draws us closer to God in a way accumulation never can.

Generosity is not only emotional or formative. It can also be strategic.

Some believers think carefully about impact. They want to steward resources wisely, evaluate outcomes, and give in ways that bear fruit. Cody calls this the “head” dimension of giving.

From that perspective, giving now has a practical advantage: it gives us experience.

When we give today, we can see what happens. We can learn which ministries are bearing fruit, which need to align with our calling, and where future gifts might have the greatest impact. Cody compares it to planting seeds. Year after year, we learn where the harvest is growing and where to sow next.

This kind of giving is not impulsive. It is thoughtful, prayerful, and engaged.

Financial planners often talk about the power of compound interest. But Cody points to something even greater: compound impact.

A dollar invested may grow over time, but a gift given today may change a life today. And God can do far more with our obedience than we can calculate on a spreadsheet.

That doesn’t mean every dollar should be given away immediately or that planning for the future is unwise. Scripture commends wisdom, provision, and prudent planning. But it does mean we should be careful not to assume that “later” is always the more faithful option.

Sometimes waiting to give can mean delaying the impact God intended for today.

Jesus warns in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Earthly resources are temporary. Markets change. Circumstances change. Needs arise. Life is uncertain. Even when we intend to give later, we are not guaranteed we will have the opportunity.

That reality is not meant to create fear. It is meant to cultivate a sense of faithful urgency.

As Ron Blue has often said, “Do your giving while you’re living, so you’re knowing where it’s going.” There is wisdom in being able to see, participate in, and learn from the impact of generosity while we are still here.

Giving now turns temporary resources into lasting Kingdom impact.

One practical way to accelerate generosity is by setting financial finish lines.

A lifestyle finish line changes the question from “How much should I give?” to “How much should I keep?” Once we prayerfully define enough for our lifestyle, we are free to ask what God would have us do with the resources beyond that point.

A lifetime finish line works similarly. It helps us consider how much is appropriate to accumulate over the course of our lives. When we know what is enough, we can begin dreaming with God about how to deploy His resources for His purposes.

Finish lines are not about legalism. They are about freedom.

They help us resist the endless pull of accumulation and open our hands to the joy, adventure, and impact of generosity.

For the person waiting for the “right time” to become more generous, the encouragement is simple: start now.

That step does not have to be dramatic. It may be small. It may be quiet. It may be a first act of obedience that stretches your faith just enough to remind you that God can be trusted.

But don’t wait to be generous.

Giving shapes your heart. It deepens your faith. It strengthens your trust in God. And it multiplies Kingdom impact in ways delayed generosity never can.

The question is not merely, “How much can I give someday?”

The better question may be, “Lord, what would You have me do today?”

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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“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you.”

That promise from James 1:5 is a powerful reminder that wisdom is not something we have to manufacture on our own. It is a gift from God, and He invites us to ask for it.

When we think about financial decisions, we often turn first to budgets, spreadsheets, calculators, or professional advice. Those tools can be helpful, and wise counsel has an important place in biblical stewardship. But for followers of Christ, wisdom begins with prayer.

Sharon Epps, President of Kingdom Advisors, FaithFi’s parent organization, joined the show today to talk about inviting God into our financial lives and seeking His guidance with trust and humility.

When people think about managing money, prayer may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But Sharon says it should be central to the way believers make financial decisions because we are not ultimately managing our own resources.

We are managing God’s.

She offered a simple illustration: imagine being asked to care for someone else’s home while they were away on an extended trip. Would you let them leave without asking for specific instructions about how they wanted things handled?

Of course not.

In the same way, because everything we have belongs to God, we should want His instruction for how to steward it. Prayer reminds us that we do not have to carry financial decisions alone or rely only on our own understanding. It helps us approach money with dependence, trust, and humility.

Prayer also shifts our posture. Instead of trying to control every outcome, we begin to ask what faithfulness looks like with what God has entrusted to us.

So what does this look like in everyday life?

Sharon says it starts by bringing financial decisions to the Lord before we act. Whether we are deciding how to spend, save, give, invest, or pursue work, prayer gives us the opportunity to seek God’s wisdom first.

Our friend and mentor Ron Blue has often said that one of the most powerful questions we can ask is:

God, what would You have me do with Your money?

That question changes everything. It reminds us that money is not merely a tool for personal comfort or security. It is a resource entrusted to us by God for His purposes.

Sharon shared a personal example from when she and her husband were praying about their oldest daughter’s college tuition. They had not saved enough to pay for her education in full, and they were committed to avoiding debt. As they prayed, God brought something to mind: He had already provided what they needed, but they had mentally set those funds aside for another purpose.

Once Sharon and her husband sat down and talked it through, they realized God had shown them an option they had never considered. Prayer did not simply give them peace; it gave them perspective.

That is one of the gifts of prayer. Over time, it shapes our desires, priorities, and motives. It trains us to seek God first rather than simply react in the moment.

One of the great financial questions every believer must wrestle with is, “How much is enough?”

Our culture constantly pushes us to want more. More income. More comfort. More security. More possessions. But Scripture points us toward contentment.

Paul writes in Philippians 4:11, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” That word learned is important. Contentment does not come naturally. It is formed in us as we walk with Christ and learn to trust Him more deeply.

Prayer helps us bring our desires honestly before the Lord. It gives us space to ask whether our financial choices are being driven by needs, wants, fear, comparison, or trust.

Sharon pointed to David’s prayer in Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”

That is a fitting prayer for our financial lives as well. We can ask the Lord to search our hearts, reveal our motives, and lead us toward a healthier understanding of what enough really is.

And when we become more content with God’s provision, we are often freed to become more generous.

Many people face financial decisions that feel overwhelming. A career change. A major purchase. A giving decision. A medical bill. A retirement question. A move. A season of uncertainty.

When the path is not clear, Sharon’s counsel is simple: turn to prayer before you turn to spreadsheets.

That does not mean spreadsheets are unimportant. It means they should not be our first refuge. Before we run the numbers, we should ask God for wisdom.

We should also seek wise counsel from trusted believers who share our commitment to biblical stewardship. God often guides us through His Word, His Spirit, and His people.

And even when the way forward is not perfectly clear, we can trust that God is faithful to guide His people as they seek Him.

Prayer turns financial decisions into opportunities to trust God more deeply.

It reminds us that God owns it all. It invites Him into the details of our daily lives. It exposes our motives and reshapes our desires. It helps us move from fear to faithfulness, from control to stewardship, and from self-reliance to dependence on the Lord.

The next time you face a financial decision, begin with this simple prayer:

God, what would You have me do with Your money?

And then listen with humility, seek wise counsel, and trust that your generous God delights to give wisdom to those who ask.

By the way, finding an advisor who shares your faith and values does not have to be difficult. Visit FindaCKA.com, answer a few questions about what you’re looking for, and you’ll receive a list of Certified Kingdom Advisors® in your area who can help you take the next step on your stewardship journey.

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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When God’s people respond with generosity, real lives are changed—and doors open for hope that lasts.

That has been the story behind FaithFi’s partnership with Heart for Lebanon, a ministry serving families displaced by the ongoing crisis in Lebanon. On today’s show, we welcomed May-Lee Melki, U.S. Managing Director of Heart for Lebanon, to share what God has already made possible through the generosity of FaithFi listeners—and why the need remains urgent.

Over the past few months, May-Lee and her father, Camille, have helped listeners understand the tremendous challenges facing families in Lebanon. The war has displaced thousands, placed communities under severe strain, and left many families carrying emotional, physical, and spiritual burdens.

While there have been temporary pauses in the fighting, May-Lee explained that a ceasefire has not meant true peace for many families.

“Families are beginning to experience different effects of the ongoing war, instability, and repeated disruption,” she said. “There’s a lot of fear, and there’s a lot of uncertainty.”

Many are still facing food insecurity, damaged infrastructure, interrupted livelihoods, and the constant fear that conditions could worsen without warning.

FaithFi listeners originally set out to help 275 displaced families in Lebanon. By God’s grace, that goal has now been met.

Those 275 families represent more than 1,000 individuals receiving life-sustaining support through Heart for Lebanon. That support includes food, mattresses, blankets, hygiene kits, diapers for adults and children, and care for newborns entering a world marked by war and uncertainty.

But the impact goes beyond supplies.

May-Lee shared the story of Ibrahim, a six-year-old boy whose family had to flee in the middle of the night as violence intensified. His parents carried their children and ran into the unknown, unsure where help would come from.

Through the generosity of Faith and Finance listeners and the ministry of Heart for Lebanon, Ibrahim’s family received practical care and ongoing support. His mother later told the team, “Please don’t stop your children’s activities, even throughout the war.”

Ibrahim’s favorite Bible story is Jesus feeding the 5,000. For him, that story has become deeply personal. He told the team, “Jesus loves us, and I know He will not let us go hungry.”

That is more than humanitarian aid. It is a picture of God’s provision working through His people.

Heart for Lebanon’s ministry begins by meeting urgent physical needs wherever families are—whether in shelters, makeshift tent settlements, or other temporary spaces. Food, bedding, and hygiene supplies help families survive while preserving their dignity.

But the ministry does not stop there.

May-Lee emphasized that Heart for Lebanon is not simply dropping off supplies and leaving. Their team is present for the long haul, walking with families through an open-ended season of displacement and uncertainty.

That consistent presence creates trust. And trust opens the door to deeper conversations about faith, hope, and the love of Christ.

May-Lee shared the story of Najwa, a woman who first came to Heart for Lebanon looking for food for her family. Over time, through relationships with the team, she found something she had not expected.

She said her heart had been longing for a kind of spiritual nourishment she did not even know existed. Through the ministry’s care and the message of the gospel, Najwa came to understand that she had not been forgotten by God.

That kind of transformation takes time. It does not happen through a single package of supplies. It happens as God’s people listen, serve, build relationships, and bring the hope of Christ into the deepest places of need.

In times of crisis, hearts are often more open than before. But May-Lee said that what truly points people to Jesus is not only the immediacy of help but also the authenticity of a long-term relationship.

Heart for Lebanon’s team is made up of local believers serving other locals—many of whom are experiencing the same hardships. Some members of the team in southern Lebanon have been displaced themselves, yet they continue to serve.

That shared experience gives their ministry a unique credibility. Families see that these believers are not there temporarily. They are staying, serving, and carrying the burden.

As a result, families are attending Bible studies in growing numbers, asking questions about faith, and seeking spiritual truth.

May-Lee shared another story of a single mother named Nawal, who said, “Even during the war, someone was still thinking about us.” Through that care, she began to understand Jesus' love in a tangible way.

“He’s with me even in my darkest hour,” she said.

That is the opportunity before Heart for Lebanon—to model the gospel in action during an ongoing crisis.

The needs in Lebanon are not only physical. Children have witnessed things no child should have to see. Families have lost homes, routines, stability, and a sense of safety.

Heart for Lebanon is helping turn crowded shelters and temporary spaces into places of care. Their team provides trauma-informed activities, play, art, and listening—simple but meaningful ways to help children process fear and begin to experience safety again.

The ministry’s approach is holistic because people are whole persons, made in the image of God. Food and supplies matter. Dignity matters. Emotional care matters. And above all, eternal hope in Christ matters.

May-Lee put it plainly: tangible aid is important because it restores dignity, but it also becomes a vehicle for building trust and creating relationships that can flourish for God’s Kingdom.

Because of the generosity of Faith and Finance listeners, more than 275 displaced families are already receiving ongoing care. We praise God for that.

But the need remains tremendous.

Heart for Lebanon has committed to continue supporting these families with monthly care, including food, bedding, hygiene supplies, and relational support. They also hope to expand that care to reach even more families who are still facing fear, displacement, and uncertainty.

Every $90 given helps provide a full month of care for a displaced family, while also allowing Heart for Lebanon to continue building relationships and sharing the hope of Christ.

If you would like to help, visit FaithFi.com/Lebanon or text the word FAITH to 98656.

When God’s people respond with generosity, families receive more than temporary relief. They receive care, dignity, relationship, and a glimpse of the lasting hope found only in Christ.

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.

Minimalism isn’t about removing the things you love. It’s about removing the things that distract you from the things you love.

That insight from Joshua Becker gets to the heart of a much deeper issue than messy closets or crowded garages. Clutter competes for more than our space. It competes for our attention, affection, time, energy, and generosity.

Joshua Becker, New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and founder of Becoming Minimalist, joined the show today to talk about his book, Uncluttered Faith: Own Less, Love More, and Make an Impact in Your World. 

His message is not that every Christian needs bare walls, a tiny home, or a life stripped of beauty and enjoyment. Rather, it’s an invitation to ask a better question: Are the things we own helping us live faithfully, or are they quietly distracting us from what matters most?

For many people, the word “minimalism” brings to mind stark white rooms, empty shelves, or getting rid of nearly everything they own. But Becker is quick to point out that minimalism will look different from one person to another.

Some may enjoy a simpler aesthetic. Others may not. Some may feel called to live with very little. Others may simply need to become more intentional about what they own and why.

Becker defines minimalism as “the intentional promotion of the things we most value by removing anything that distracts us from it.”

That definition moves the conversation from rules to purpose. The goal is not to own less for its own sake. The goal is to make room for what God has called us to value most.

Becker’s journey began on an ordinary Saturday morning. He set out to clean his garage while his young son wanted him to play. Hours later, still surrounded by stuff, he realized he had spent his day maintaining possessions instead of investing in his son.

That moment became a turning point. He and his wife began removing unnecessary possessions from their home, eventually giving away or discarding 60 to 70 percent of what they owned.

With each step, Becker noticed practical benefits. Their home became easier to maintain. Their lifestyle costs less. They had more time and energy. They also found new opportunities for generosity.

As a pastor, Becker began to see the connection between simplicity and faith. Jesus had been inviting His followers into this kind of life all along—not as deprivation, but as freedom. He calls us away from storing up treasures on earth and toward a life oriented around the Kingdom of God.

We live in a culture that constantly tells us more is better. Advertisements, social media, algorithms, and comparison all work together to convince us that the next purchase will make us happier, more secure, more admired, or more complete.

The message is subtle but powerful: your life will be better if you buy what we’re selling.

Over time, that message shapes our desires. We begin to define success by accumulation. Bigger homes, newer cars, fuller closets, upgraded technology, and constant consumption start to feel normal.

But normal is not always wise. And common is not always faithful.

Scripture repeatedly warns us that riches and possessions can deceive us. In Luke 8, Jesus describes the seed choked by “the cares and riches and pleasures of life,” keeping it from bearing mature fruit. Possessions are not evil in themselves, but they can become thorns when they crowd out our attention to God, neighbor, and calling.

Biblical simplicity does not mean rejecting every comfort or refusing to enjoy God’s gifts. 1 Timothy 6:17 reminds us that God “richly provides us with everything to enjoy.”

Money can be used for celebration, hospitality, beauty, rest, and meaningful experiences with family and friends. Those are good gifts from a generous God.

The issue is not whether we enjoy what God provides. The issue is whether those gifts become idols. When possessions begin to promise identity, security, comfort, or joy in ways only God can provide, they no longer serve us. They master us.

That is why simplicity can be a path toward abundance. When we own less of what distracts us, we gain more of what matters: time, margin, focus, generosity, relationships, and availability to God’s work.

Many people today feel hurried, anxious, and stretched thin. While clutter is not the only reason for that exhaustion, it often contributes more than we realize.

The more we own, the more we must clean, organize, protect, repair, insure, store, and pay for. Possessions require attention. They make demands. They quietly add weight to already busy lives.

A less cluttered life can create margin—space to pray, rest, serve, listen, give, and be present. It can help us become more attentive to God and to the people He has placed before us.

Becker shared the story of a woman named Trish, whose grandmother modeled a simple and faithful life. Her grandmother gardened, gathered eggs, sat on the porch, and lived with a peaceful attentiveness that left a lasting mark. Trish remembered that example as the kind of life she wanted to cultivate in her own family—not disconnected from the world, but less rushed by it.

That kind of legacy is often caught more than taught.

One of the clearest connections between simplicity and faith is generosity.

When we spend less on accumulation, we have more freedom to give. For someone in debt, owning less may create room to pay down what is owed. For someone living paycheck to paycheck, it may provide breathing room. For someone already financially stable, it may open the door to greater generosity.

This is not merely a financial principle. It is a spiritual one.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Our spending and giving reveal what we value. And as we direct our resources toward God’s Kingdom, our hearts are shaped in the process.

Generosity helps loosen the grip of materialism. It reminds us that money is not our treasure, our protector, or our purpose. It is a tool entrusted to us by God for His glory and the good of others.

The goal of an uncluttered faith is not to make everyone’s home look the same. It is not to shame people for enjoying good gifts. And it is not to create a new form of legalism around how much a Christian should own.

The better question is this: What is God calling me to make room for?

Maybe it’s more time with your children. Maybe it’s more generosity. Maybe it’s less anxiety. Maybe it’s a greater availability to serve. Maybe it’s simply the freedom to stop chasing what the world says you need and begin living more deeply in what Christ has already given.

Owning less is not the treasure. Christ is.

But when we remove what distracts us, we may find ourselves freer to love Him, love others, and make an impact with what He has entrusted to us.

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.