Stepping Forward: Part 3: Faith and Finances

Imagine a wealthy man preparing for a long journey. Before he departs, he calls his servants and entrusts them with his property. To one, he gives five talents; to another, two talents; and to the third, one talent. Each servant receives an amount according to their ability. The man leaves, expecting his servants to manage his property wisely. This parable, found in Matthew 25:14-26, is a powerful teaching from Jesus about stewardship and responsibility.

The first two servants go out and invest their talents, doubling what they were given. The servant with five talents earns five more, and the one with two talents earns two more. However, the third servant, fearful of losing what he was given, hides his talent in the ground, returning only what he was given when the master returns.

The master praises the first two servants for their faithfulness and rewards them with greater responsibilities and joy. But to the third servant, he says, “You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming, I should have received what was my own with interest.” The servant is cast out, and his talent is given to the one with ten.

This parable teaches us that it’s not about how much we’re given but how we use what we have. Whether we have much or little, we are called to manage our resources wisely and faithfully. It’s a lesson that applies directly to our finances.

Earning Faithfully

As Christians, our attitude toward work should reflect our faith. Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Our work is a form of worship. When we labor with integrity and excellence, we honor God and set a foundation for financial freedom and success.

Working faithfully also means avoiding dishonest gain. Proverbs 13:11 states, “Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, but he who gathers by labor will increase.” God blesses the work of our hands when done truthfully, not through deceitful practices. There is no shortcut to financial freedom; it is determined by our stewardship.

Managing Wisely

Good stewardship involves managing our resources with wisdom. Jesus emphasizes the importance of planning in Luke 14:28-30: “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it?” A well-planned budget helps us avoid financial pitfalls and ensures we can complete what we start in life.

Proverbs 21:20 notes, “There is desirable treasure, and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it.” Wisdom in finances involves saving for the future and making sensible investments. Start by assessing your income and expenses. Know exactly how much is coming in and going out. Allocate funds to essentials first—tithes, savings, bills, and necessary expenses. Set financial goals aligned with your faith and priorities. Create a detailed budget that includes giving, saving, and investing. Regularly review and adjust your budget as needed.

Giving Generously

Generosity is a powerful testament to our faith. Malachi 3:10 challenges us: “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” Tithing is an act of faith, acknowledging that every good thing we have comes from God. It opens the door for His blessings in our lives.

2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” Our generosity reflects God’s generosity toward us. It blesses others and comes back to us multiplied.

Breaking the poverty mindset, which sees resources as scarce and opportunities as limited, requires trusting in God’s abundance and faithfully stewarding our resources. Tithing helps shift our focus from scarcity to provision, as it is an act of obedience and trust in God’s ability to provide.

Conclusion

In stepping forward in faith and finances, we align our earthly resources with heavenly purposes. As we earn, manage, and give, we do so not just for our own benefit but for the glory of God. Let’s commit today to use our finances as a tool to serve God wholeheartedly, impacting our world and preparing our children to do the same.

May God bless our resolve to handle our finances with wisdom, integrity, and generosity. Let us go forth in faith, holding onto His promises for provision and prosperity. Amen.

Who will take the first step in faith today? Will you?

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