In my work, I often counsel Christians struggling with overspending. Our culture pushes instant gratification, causing many to make poor financial decisions. Like a driver speeding obliviously toward a cliff, it is frustrating to see people sabotage their future.
As a professional money manager and financial advisor, I have an obligation to warn of the consequences ahead. But it is rewarding to see God’s blessings unfold for those embracing biblical wisdom.
Our checkbooks reveal much about our priorities and values. For Christians, they should reflect Kingdom-building as the top priority, not materialism. Yet too often, spending habits show bondage to worldly desires over godly stewardship.
With an eternal perspective, our finances can tell a redemptive story. Checkbook entries can display the fruits of the Spirit at work: self-control, peace, generosity, and trust in God over money.
It starts by acknowledging God’s true ownership. Everything we have is on loan from Him. Our spending then becomes an act of worship, not self-indulgence.
Through biblically aligned spending habits, our finances come into alignment with our faith. Right priorities produce right actions. Financial freedom follows.
With the Holy Spirit’s help, believers can overcome cultural pressures promoting accumulation and debt. Our checkbooks can reflect dependence on God’s provision, not possessions.
Careful spending glorifies the Lord. It allows resources to further His purposes. Our checkbooks tell His story when they display good stewardship of His resources. What narrative is your spending revealing today?
In Christ,
Stephen H. Hammond
President
AUTHOR BIO
Stephen H. Hammond, president and founder of Christian Values Investing Inc., established the first “fee-only” Biblical responsible investment advisory firms in 1993 to help Christians align investments with their values and better manage finances from a biblical perspective. He graduated from Georgia Southern University with a finance degree and worked in the Investment Banking industry before joining Merrill Lynch in 1988. Stephen is a published author and speaker, a spirit-filled Christian who traces his faith heritage to preacher ancestors. In 2005, he established the nonprofit Covenant Financial Ministries to teach biblical stewardship principles and money management. Stephen has decades of experience in money management and financial planning. and serves with Kingdom Advisors and the National Association of Christian Financial Consultants. He has appeared on radio and television, spoken at churches, and authored books including Mission Possible: An Investment Guide for Christians and The Successful Life Manager. He married Angela in 1990, and has two children.
