All your relationships—with your spouse, family, and friends—are important but temporary. Your only eternal relationship is with God.
The bonds of family and friends help us thrive in this world, but they pale in comparison to the significance of our relationship with the Lord. Today, I’ll share some practical ways you can draw closer to God.
You might wonder, "What does my relationship with God have to do with finances?" After all, this is a blog about money, right? Yes, but it’s also about faith. For Christians, faith and finances are deeply intertwined, and the Bible provides three key principles that connect the dots between the two.
Principle 1: God Owns Everything
The first principle is foundational: God created everything, and therefore, He owns everything. Colossians 1:16 makes this clear:
“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.”
This means that everything we possess is ultimately God’s, not ours.
Principle 2: God Has Entrusted Us with Resources
The second principle is that God has given us everything we possess. James 1:17 says:
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
While God owns everything, He has entrusted us with resources to use temporarily as His stewards.
Principle 3: God Desires a Close Relationship with Us
The third principle is that God is not distant or detached—He desires a close relationship with each of us. James 4:8 says:
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
We draw near to God by obediently following His Word. With over 2,300 verses about money and possessions in Scripture, God has made it clear that He wants us to manage money according to His principles.
In Luke 16:11, Jesus indicates that God uses money as a test:
“If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?”
Jesus is saying that how you handle money affects your spiritual life. When you manage it well—according to biblical principles—you naturally grow closer to Christ. But if you don’t, your fellowship with the Lord suffers.
Biblical money management is a practical way to improve your spiritual life, but obstacles can get in the way. Two types of disobedience can prevent us from handling money God’s way and growing closer to Him.
Finally, there are those who don’t follow biblical financial principles yet believe their relationship with the Lord is just fine. To them, we might say, “What you don’t know will hurt you. What are you missing out on?” If that’s you, commit to the Lord in earnest prayer and follow through by managing your money and possessions according to His principles.
If you’re ready to align your finances with your faith, start by downloading the free FaithFi app. It will help you set up a budget based on the envelope system and provide you with the best Christian financial content to grow closer to God. Commit to following His financial principles for three months and see if your relationship with the Lord becomes more intimate.
Aligning your finances with God’s Word is not just about managing money; it’s about deepening your relationship with Christ. By faithfully stewarding the resources God has given you, you’ll experience the true riches of a closer walk with Him.
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.
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