Over the last few years, I‘ve reflected a lot on the relationship between faith and finances. We already know that, beyond just numbers and budgets, skillfulness with money extends into how we live, what we prioritize, and how aligned our values are with (financial) actions.
But it goes even deeper. Beyond bringing confidence and awareness to our everyday lives, when we see money as a place to seek God’s plan and influence, it can also be a powerful tool for expanding our spiritual lives.
This exploration into what lies at the intersection of faith and finances has brought more levity and joy to my relationship with money than any other mindset or skill work I’ve done. Today, I want to share a bit about how this connection can enhance and deepen our relationships with both God and money.
Before we dive in though, let me just say that however you reference or understand God is welcome here. I’ll use God, Him, my Creator, and, most tenderly, Abba, because these resonate for me and the relationship I have with Him. But God is so much bigger than words and titles, and how you know Him is personal to only you. Find Him here, in this conversation, in whatever way He speaks to you.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska: https://www.pexels.com/@karolina-grabowska/
What’s mine is God’s.
The place this conversation starts – and where it returns to over and over – is that nothing we have or do is ever separate from God. I experience a sense of duty and devotion when God is infused into my financial life because I recognize that what’s mine is His. It not only empowers and guides me to approach my money it way, it’s also deeply comforting. Even in moments when I’m afraid or concerned about some unforeseen financial emergency, I know I'm provided for. I know I’m called to faithfully steward the gifts I've been given. My faith makes me grateful, humble, and accountable the One who’s at the source of all of it.
Faith enhances our financial lives.
Just as our faith can influence our relationships, our wellbeing, and our work performance, it can serve as a compass for how we navigate money as well. It grounds us in gratitude for what we have now, and it infuses meaning into our pursuit of future wealth and abundance. It encourages us to view money as not just a commodity, but as a tool we are equipped with. Faith calls us to be mindful and discerning, recognizing that our resources are entrusted to us for a higher purpose. And, because we know God is bigger than any circumstance or challenge we face, when cash is tight or we feel financially vulnerable, faith can lead us to new possibilities.
Through faith, we find purpose in stewardship.
A central tenet of many spiritual disciplines is this concept of stewardship – the idea that we are entrusted with resources to nurture and multiply for the greater good. This understanding instills a sense of purpose in how we manage our finances. It motivates us to commit time, effort, and resources to manage our money wisely because we understand that doing so allows us to be God’s hands and feet. Through responsible stewardship, we honor our faith by using our blessings to uplift others – whether that’s through charitable giving, volunteering, or social entrepreneurship, or by providing a solid financial foundation for our families and communities.
Lean on God, not on debt.
My biggest financial and spiritual lessons have come from navigating debt. When I want something I can’t afford yet, or if I believe something is a good investment when the cash isn’t there, I’m learning to trust in God’s provision instead of forcing my own agenda. The practice I’ve taken on in 2024 is to assume that if I don’t have the money for it, God has other ways of providing what I think I need.
For me, this perspective has deepened my relationship with God by having me go to Him first. Instead of swiping a credit card when I want something, I’m learning to ask for miracles and guidance, to seek His perspective, and to surrender to (and appreciate!) what’s actually so in my financial world.
I realize not everyone views debt this way, and I fully believe debt and credit can be used responsibly and synergistically with our faith. But most of the time it is not. I acknowledge that my impulses too often supersede my willingness to rely on God. Leaning into God's guidance and provision rather than relying on debt as a quick fix has become a spiritual practice, one that is cultivating resilience and fortitude. Ultimately, it is bringing me closer to God and easing the pressure I felt trying to “make it all work” without His guidance.
Reflection and Dialogue
What I know for sure is that money, like life, spirituality, and relationships, is shaped by the conversations we have about it. With God, with friends and family, and with the world around us. Yes, faith is deeply personal. But it’s also tremendously relatable. Besides expanding our own understanding, exploring how our faith impacts our everyday lives can help others see God in places they haven’t thought to find him.
I’m curious to know your insights and experiences with faith and money. What is God doing in your life with regard to money? Where are you learning to trust and surrender, or to expand or ask clearly? To share more or steward more wisely? To appreciate more deeply?
Join me in the conversation. Comment below or email me at Stacey@TheSLCGroup.co.
If you’re a faith-led entrepreneur who’s curious about how you can bring a deeper connection to your business finance, I’d love to chat with you. Click here to book a conversation with me.
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