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Every six months or so my husband Reed and I intentionally sit down together and assess how we’re doing with habits, routines, and working towards our life‐long goals. We want to make sure we establish good patterns now, so we reap their blessings later in life. We also want to make sure our priorities align with Scripture and God’s will for our lives. Well, we recently discovered a resource to help us do a very thorough assessment.

Reed was gifted a book called The Man in the Mirror by Patrick Morley¹. I started reading it almost by accident, since it is really targeted towards guys, but I’m always intrigued by books that have a Biblical finances section. That section was so good that I kept reading!

In the book, Patrick Morley helps readers examine 24 areas of their lives to see how they line up with Scripture. Some of the areas include identities, relationships, finances, time, temperament, and integrity. The author says, “My dream is that by reading it you will find contentment and a success that really matters.” The Man in the Mirror is a biblically based and empowering book to help Christians live an authentic life and truly find their purpose in life. It’s a great tool to have in our “strategic toolbox”.

A Count‐Down List of Priorities

“When we don’t have a sense of where we are going,
where we are now isn’t that important.” ~Patrick Morley

God has laid the following list of priorities on our hearts for daily living, many based on concepts that we gleaned from The Man in the Mirror. These are key areas for us to focus on so we don’t waste our time, efforts, or resources. They are biblical priorities that guide our decisions, goals, and dreams, in order to live strategically!

While this is not an exhaustive list, we hope it is thought-provoking and challenges you to do your own life assessment. Does it bring to mind any course corrections that you need to make? Are there other areas that you have been called to focus on that aren’t included in our list?

#10 – We will live a balanced life, not neglecting times of rest, and living daily in the strength of the Lord.

“He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:29‐31

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy‐laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28‐29

#9 – We will live with contentment, not seeking a higher standard of living. We know riches do not give fulfillment nor lead to true victorious living.

“If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.” 1 Timothy 6:8

“Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you’…” Hebrews 13:5

“Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” 1 John 2:15‐16

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6

#8 – We will honor the Lord from “our wealth” and from the first/best of all “our produce”. We give back to God because He gives so abundantly to us, and He is the true owner of all things. We are His stewards.

“Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce,” Proverbs 3:9

“As soon as the order spread, the sons of Israel provided in abundance the first fruits of grain, new wine, oil, honey and of all the produce of the field; and they brought in abundantly the tithe of all…the tithe of sacred gifts which were consecrated to the Lord their God, and placed them in heaps.” 2 Chronicles 31:5‐6

“In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.” 1 Corinthians 4:2

#7 – Being self-employed, we will ask God to give us favor in the eyes of our clients and bless the work of our hands.

“The Lord will command the blessing upon you in your barns and in all that you put your hand to, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God gives you.” Deuteronomy 28:8

“The Lord was with Joseph, so he became a successful man. And he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian. Now his master saw that the Lord was with him and how the Lord caused all that he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found favor in his sight..” Genesis 39:2‐4 a

“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; and confirm for us the work of our hands; yes, confirm the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17

“And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Luke 2:52

#6 – In ministry and at the office, we will practice the proverb of steady plodding, remembering that God causes the growth.

“Steady plodding brings prosperity; hasty speculation brings poverty.” Proverbs 21:5

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” Galatians 6:9

“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.” Hebrews 10:36

“So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.” 1 Corinthians 3:7

#5 – We will invest our lives in things which endure and have eternal impact, living each day as if it were our last.

“Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.” 1 Timothy 6:17‐19

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15‐17

“So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:20‐21

#4 – We will nourish our marriage, a relationship that comes before everything, except our relationship with God.

“So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church,” Ephesians 5:28‐29

“Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.” Ephesians 5:22‐24

“Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.” Ephesians 5:33

#3 – We will spend time daily in the Word of God and prayer, in order to live by the counsel of the Holy Spirit and be able to discern good and evil in this world.

“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you,” Colossians 3:16 a

“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:1‐2

“But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.” Hebrews 5:14

“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” Joshua 1:8

#2 – We will live lives of obedience, a trademark of a biblical Christian, and a great witness tool to an unbelieving world.

“…for the Lord will again rejoice over you for good, just as He rejoiced over your fathers; if you obey the Lord your God to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this book of the law, if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul. ‘For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach.‘ ” Deuteronomy 30:9b‐11

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.” 1 John 5:3

#1 – Our foremost purpose in life is to glorify God. He will remain the top priority of our lives.

“Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Joshua 22:5

“Everyone who is called by My name, and whom I have created for My glory, whom I have formed, even whom I have made.” Isaiah 43:7

“…be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God…” Colossians 1:9b-10

A Closing Prayer

Dear Lord,

Make our messes into Your masterpiece. We want to live by Your priorities and follow Your will for our lives. Please guide us daily in this spiritual journey.

Please make our lives count, for Your glory! At the end of our days, we want to be able to say what Jesus said in John 17:4, “I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do.”

Amen,
Elizabeth and Reed Hewitt

¹ The Man in the Mirror written by Patrick Morley and published by Zondervan in 1997, updated in 2014.

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Article originally published October 2013. Updated May 2025.

“It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting,
because that is the end of every man, and the living takes it to heart.” Ecclesiastes 7:2

Over the past year, a new section has appeared on my prayer list for numerous widows whose husbands have passed away, many from Covid or cancer. As a wife, it is heartbreaking to think of losing my own husband. It can be easy to assume that each day will be just like the previous day, until a tragic life-changing event takes place, and then the reality of how fragile this life is really hits home.

James, the half-brother of Jesus, reminds us, “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). It is strategic for Christians to keep in mind that this life is temporary, and it should stir the soul to make each day count. We are only promised today!

God Sets the Number of Our Days

“Behold, You have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing in Your sight;
surely every man at his best is a mere breath. Selah.” Psalm 39:5

As our Creator, God Almighty has set a specific number of days for each of our lives. “Since his days are determined, the number of his months is with You; and his limits You have set so that he cannot pass” (Job 14:5). Our lives and the breath of all mankind are held in the Creator’s hands (Job 12:9-10).

The psalmist tells us “the steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way” (Psalm 37:23). In another chapter, we are told all the days that are ordained for us were written in His book before we were even formed (Psalm 139:16).

God orchestrates the details of our lives. We read in Ephesians, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). In His sovereignty, my heavenly Father knows better than I do how long my days on earth should be and I trust Him to care for me and direct me each of those days.

A Special Assignment

“So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

Since our days are like a breath and a passing shadow, we must make the most of the short time we have remaining. When we get to Heaven, we will each give an account to God for how we invested our days and whether we laid up for ourselves treasures on earth or in Heaven.

We have a limited perspective in the flesh of why God has placed us on this earth. Isaiah 43:7 declares that we were created for God’s glory and 1 Corinthians 10:31 admonishes us to do all for the glory of God. Therefore, we should take our work seriously and keep God as our focus in all that we do.

This year I am reading through The Charles Stanley Life Principles Daily Bible, which I highly recommend! In his commentary for Ecclesiastes (page 1093), Pastor Charles Stanley says, “Our pilgrimage on earth is brief. A diligent believer alert to every opportunity to share Christ and make Him known will have the greatest influence on the kingdom of God. Time is precious. We redeem it for His purposes as we remain diligent in our work, our study, our witness, and our prayers.”

The prayer of Moses in Psalm 90 ends by asking for God’s favor to be upon us and for Him to confirm the work of our hands (Psalm 90:17). God has prepared a calling for each of us, a special assignment just for you and me, but we have an unknown (to us) amount of days to complete the mission. There may not be time to waste!

The Glory to Come

“He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart…” Ecclesiastes 3:11

Ultimately, God’s children must have an eternal perspective. As long as we reside on planet earth, there will be sins, sufferings, and character-building sacrifices. But Paul reminds us that “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18). We must keep in mind “for here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come” (Hebrews 13:14).

Thanks to the resurrection power of our Lord and Savior we have eternal life, and death no longer has a hold on us. “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:1-4).

Praise be to God that any who believe in Jesus as their Messiah have the assurance of eternal salvation. And we know “that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1).

All Scripture taken from New American Standard Bible, 1995 version. Photo credit: Image 1:27, Lightstock.com.

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Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.” 2 Timothy 2:19 (NASB)

Whether you are raising a family or constructing a building, it takes a solid foundation to keep things standing. As Christians, we believe that firm foundations are rooted in the Word of God and on Jesus Christ.

Just a few months ago, a Christian couple in East Texas laid a foundation as franchise owners of a soon-to-be Chick-fil-A restaurant in Marshall, Texas. As the concrete trucks started pouring, a Bible was placed in the foundation so their building would literally be built on the Word of God. The franchise owners declared, “Our purpose here is simple—to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.”

This couple is strategically dedicating their business to God from the beginning. Likewise, this is something we’ve done when moving to a new residence.

Dedicating Our Home

Over the course of sixteen years of marriage, we’ve moved around a bit. We’ve rented a number of apartments, owned a townhome, spent almost 7 years full-time in an RV, and now have a brick-and-mortar home in order to care for a relative suffering from dementia. With each move, we dedicated our new abode to the Lord on day one.

My husband, Reed, plants his great-grandmother’s Bible into the soil at our new home.

Typically our dedication ceremony will include a time of prayer and worship, consecrating our home unto God, who is the true Homeowner. We commit to use His resource as good managers and for kingdom purposes. We pray that God will place a hedge of protection around the property as long as we reside there. And we ask for opportunities to shine as lights of His love to our neighbors.

Most recently, we literally sowed the Word of God into the soil of our new property. Many years ago, my husband, Reed, had acquired the Bible of his great-grandmother at a family garage sale. We realized it would be such a neat addition to our home dedication ceremony, representing four generations of Hewitts who faithfully served the Lord in the town where we now live.

To us, this act also represents our heart’s desire to use this home to serve the Lord by sowing His Word to reap a harvest for the kingdom. We do this from our computers through the Living Strategically website, but also when we minister to people in person at our home. We intentionally welcome people from our community into our home so they can experience the peace and joy of a Christian home environment, which is quite a contrast from today’s secular culture. When our neighbors see Scripture verses hanging in frames throughout our home and the content of our character as we live it out in front of them, they can tell we are set apart from the world around them.

A Distinguishing Mark

From the Old Testament, we see many examples of how God separated His people and their homes as holy unto the Lord.

When the Hebrews’ time of sojourning in Egypt was coming to an end, God intervened with a “special ops” rescue plan that started with the first Passover. God’s people were to distinguish themselves from the Egyptians by sacrificing a goat or a lamb and marking their homes with the sacrificial blood.

“The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live; and when I see the blood I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.” Exodus 12:13

“For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel (top beam) and on the two doorposts, the Lord will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to smite you.” Exodus 12:23

Later, when God’s people were preparing to enter the Promised Land, God instructed them to hold firmly to His Word and His commands. This would set them, their families, and their homes apart.

“You shall therefore impress these words of Mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates…” Deuteronomy 11:18-20

Visitors to our home are greeted with this Bible verse of dedication hanging at our front door.

As our culture continues to turn its back on God, it will be increasingly important for Christians to be truly committed to the Word of God and wholeheartedly serving the Lord. God examines our hearts and minds, and He knows if we’ve compromised our faith.

Reed and I believe that dedicating our home unto the Lord is similar to being baptized after receiving God’s gift of salvation. We’re making a public statement that from this point forward, “me and my house” are serving the Lord (Joshua 24:15). For us, there’s no turning back.

Finally, in the book of Ezekiel, we read where God instructed His angels to separate His people with a distinguishing mark. God was sending judgment to Jerusalem because the land was full of blood, perversion, and apostasy. The angels distinguished between the righteous and the wicked with a mark on the foreheads of the righteous. That mark saved them from God’s imminent judgment.

“The Lord said to him, ‘Go through the midst of the city, even through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations which are being committed in its midst…but do not touch any man on whom is the mark.’ ” Ezekiel 9:4, 6

In these days of evil all around, it’s a good thing to be on God’s side!

Making an Eternal Investment

A home can be just another building or it can be a place of spiritual investment. Those who lay foundations in the Word of God and on Jesus Christ will be able to weather any storm and have a lasting impact. Whether you live in an apartment, a condo, or a traditional house, gather your family for a dedication ceremony. Make the commitment today to start serving the Lord from your dwelling place.

“But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” 1 Corinthians 3:10-15

In the end, you’ll reap the benefits of your eternal investments (but the things of this world will go up in smoke!) May your home and all who enter be blessed.

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We’ve been intrigued by what the Bible says about money and possessions for the past 20 years. It’s a topic that has grown near and dear to our hearts! Practicing the principles of Biblical stewardship has made it possible for us to live a debt-free lifestyle.

In 2020, we recorded a podcast series taking a look at the key elements for a Biblical understanding of personal finances. Now we’ve taken the content from those episodes and created a 28-page eBook.

As always, we want to give away the resources that we create for free, so we invite you to download a FREE copy of our latest eBook.

If you’re ready to find financial freedom, then let’s get reading!

Thankfully my dad took the time to explain to me that this “too good to be true” offer was exactly that.

I can look back and smile at the naiveté of my third-grade self, but unfortunately, not every scam is so easy to spot. This world is full of subtle lies and empty promises when it comes to money and possessions, and countless people get caught up in them every day.

But we’re not in this alone. We have a heavenly Father who has taken the time to warn us about financial pitfalls. God knew that money would be one of our biggest struggles, so His Word is full of principles and instructions to guide us.  He explains how to get back on track when we’ve gone astray, and He tells us exactly what it takes to become a success in His eyes.

The Study of Stewardship

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My wife and I have been intrigued by what the Bible says about money and possessions for the past 20 years. Around the time we started our courtship, we also started listening to Christian financial experts like Larry Burkett and Dave Ramsey. Over the past two decades we’ve studied the topic of biblical stewardship, as well as taught it and put into practice. In our latest podcast series, we take a look at the key elements for a biblical understanding of personal finances.  (Scroll to the bottom of this blog post for links to all the episodes.)

If you listen to the podcast, you’ll hear us talk about stewardship a lot. It is an old-timey word, but it’s still very useful today because whether you realize it or not, a steward is exactly what you are. A steward is a person who manages something that belongs to someone else. A steward’s job is to act according to the instructions and interests of the owner. Sure, we all have things that belong to us, but the Bible says that, in the ultimate sense, everything belongs to God simply because He created it all. When you follow that truth to its logical conclusion, it has a profound influence on how you handle money.

A Spiritual Perspective

For one thing, we realize that how we spend “our” money really comes down to spiritual decisions. And if our job is to be stewards, then we probably can’t do a very good job unless our priorities are aligned with those of our Boss.

We also find reassurance in the fact that we are dependent on God, and that He is completely trustworthy! When we do things His way, it actually works out really well for us. (But we also find out how much trouble we can get into when we think we can control everything on our own.)

Above all, the Bible shows us that all the money and all the material possessions that pass through our hands are temporary, but we have an opportunity to use them to accomplish things that will last for eternity.

We hope you’ll join us for this podcast series and embrace what we call the ultimate paradigm shift in your financial life. It may seem daunting at first, but God is faithful to help His children walk in His ways. Don’t get discouraged, and don’t give up. The reward is treasure that will outlast this world!

Podcast Episodes

• • The Ultimate Paradigm Shift (Episode 11)
    Acknowledging that everything under our care ultimately belongs to the Lord.
  • Biblical Stewardship (Episode 12)
    Christians managing God’s resources in accordance with biblical priorities.
  • Cultivating Contentment (Episode 13)
    Living with the attitude of gratefully accepting what God gives, while gracefully releasing what He withholds.
  • Debt-Free Living (Episode 14)
    Viewing debt as bondage and hazardous to our financial health.
  • Reaching Financial Freedom (Episode 15)
    Living an abundant life when we connect our faith with our finances.

Suggested Resources

• • • Video: Why Has America Been Blessed by Reed and Liz Hewitt
    • Article: What is Biblical Stewardship by Liz Hewitt
    • Article: Money, Wealth, and the Book of Proverbs by Reed and Liz Hewitt
    • Class: Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey
    • Book: Master Your Money written by Ron Blue and published by Moody Publishers in 1986/updated in 2016.
    • Book: Debt-Free Living written by Larry Burkett and published by Moody Publishers in 1999/updated in 2010.
    • Book: Managing God’s Money written by Randy Alcorn and published by Tyndale House in 2011.

In the final episode of our podcast series on managing money and possessions as wise stewards, we take a look at what it means to find true financial freedom. We talk about our goals as we aim for financial freedom, and the character traits required to get there. We also share our take on Dave Ramsey’s “baby steps”, as a guide for transforming your finances.

Want to go deeper in this study? Click on this image to download our FREE eBook on Biblical Stewardship.

Christians managing God’s resources in accordance with biblical priorities is what being a wise steward is all about. Join us on the journey of reaching true financial freedom!

Scripture from this Episode

“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:20-21, NASB

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” Matthew 6:24, NASB

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

Suggested Resources

Video: Why Has America Been Blessed by Reed and Liz Hewitt

Article: What is Biblical Stewardship by Liz Hewitt

Article: Money, Wealth, and the Book of Proverbs by Reed and Liz Hewitt

Class: Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey

Book: Master Your Money written by Ron Blue and published by Moody Publishers in 1986/updated in 2016.

Book: Debt-Free Living written by Larry Burkett and published by Moody Publishers in 1999/updated in 2010.

Join us for the fourth episode of our current podcast series about money management and biblical stewardship. It may just transform your finances!

Scripture from this Episode

Want to go deeper in this study? Click on this image to download our FREE eBook on Biblical Stewardship.

“…we are helpless because our fields and vineyards belong to others.” Nehemiah 5:5b, NASB

“Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God…” Deuteronomy 28:1-2, NASB

“But it shall come about, if you do not obey the Lord your God, to observe to do all His commandments and His statutes with which I charge you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you…” Deuteronomy 28:15, NASB

“The Lord will open for you His good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hand; and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.” Deuteronomy 28:12, NASB

“He shall lend to you, but you will not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you will be the tail.” Deuteronomy 28:44, NASB

“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.” Proverbs 22:7, NASB

“‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.'” Isaiah 55:8-9, NASB

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19, NASB

Suggested Resources

Video: Why Has America Been Blessed by Reed and Liz Hewitt

Article: What is Biblical Stewardship by Liz Hewitt

Article: Money, Wealth, and the Book of Proverbs by Reed and Liz Hewitt

Class: Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey

Book: Master Your Money written by Ron Blue and published by Moody Publishers in 1986/updated in 2016.

Book: Debt-Free Living written by Larry Burkett and published by Moody Publishers in 1999/updated in 2010.

At Living Strategically, we define contentment as “the attitude of gratefully accepting what God gives, while gracefully releasing what He withholds”. We believe that contentment is not about a number, or achieving a certain amount of wealth to be satisfied. It’s about the attitude of the heart, being content with whatever God blesses you with to manage for His glory.

Christian financial advisor Ron Blue summarizes contentment this way:

“No financial principle can have a greater impact on you or free you up more than this truth: Money is not the key to contentment! Contentment has everything to do with your relationship with God and nothing to do with your money. Once you are free from the love of money and the pursuit of it, you can have a lot or a little and be content all the same. At that point you have learned the secret to contentment.”

If we want to take hold of that which is life indeed, then we need to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness! By prioritizing that which really matters in life, sort of recalibrating our priorities, we can reach a point of true fulfillment in life. Now that is thinking strategically!

Scripture from this Episode

Want to go deeper in this study? Click on this image to download our FREE eBook on Biblical Stewardship.

“When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.” Genesis 3:6, NASB

“He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity.” Eccl. 5:10, NASB

“Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments and His ordinances and His statutes which I am commanding you today; otherwise, when you have eaten and are satisfied, and have built good houses and lived in them, and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and gold multiply, and all that you have multiplies, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” Deut. 8:11-14, NASB

“Otherwise, you may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.’ But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” Deut. 8:17-18, NASB

“Then He said to them, ‘Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.'” Luke 12:15, NASB

“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” I Timothy 6:6-10, NASB

“Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.” I Timothy 6:17-19, NASB

Suggested Resources

Video: Why Has America Been Blessed by Reed and Liz Hewitt

Article: What is Biblical Stewardship by Liz Hewitt

Article: Money, Wealth, and the Book of Proverbs by Reed and Liz Hewitt

Book: Master Your Money written by Ron Blue and published by Moody Publishers in 1986/updated in 2016.

Book: Managing God’s Money written by Randy Alcorn and published by Tyndale House in 2011.

You can probably think of many more examples, but the type of balance we will study here is the most elusive of all: balance in life. This type of balance is most conspicuous by its absence, and it is not hard to find many examples of unbalanced lives. Most of us do not have to look beyond ourselves.

If you suspect that unbalance is taking a toll on your life, here’s a quiz to help you diagnose some problem areas.

• Do your projects, commitments, and “to-do” items stack up faster than you have time to complete them?
• Do you frequently rely on credit cards to make ends meet?
• Is it hard for you to leave work at a decent time? (Maybe your spouse should answer this one for you.)
• Are family dinners an endangered species in your home?
• Does it seem impossible to provide for the wants and needs of your family while also giving them substantial quality time?
• Do you feel like you are neglecting your spiritual life?

My definition of balance is this:
To manage one’s resources by God’s principles, resulting in a life of peace, joy, and contentment.

Notice I define balance as a verb. I am not talking about a motionless state of equilibrium; balance is an ongoing activity. Like riding a bicycle, life requires forward motion to maintain balance.

The definition above contains two parts: the criteria (God’s principles) and the outcome (peace, joy, and contentment).

The Bible contains no shortage of principles:

• Love God & others (Matthew 22:37-39)
• Live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4)
• Work hard (Proverbs 10:4-5)
• Make time for rest (Exodus 20:10-11)
• Take care of your family (1 Timothy 5:8)
• Help the needy (Deuteronomy 15:11)
• Be content (Hebrews 13:5)

And the list goes on—you can probably think of many, many more. Collectively, these principles create a framework that guides every area of life.

Even so, God does not micromanage. The Bible doesn’t tell us how much time we can spend in front of the TV each day. We must ask ourselves, “How much TV can I watch without neglecting God’s priorities?” Likewise, “How much time can I spend at the office without diminishing my ability to serve God’s purposes in my family?” God typically requires us to answer these questions on our own, but doing so requires wisdom, which comes from Him (James 1:5).

Faith and Flexibility

On top of His generally revealed principles, God also has specific tasks in mind for each of us individually. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

Sometimes these are direct leadings of the Holy Spirit; other times God makes His will apparent through our circumstances. He closes one door and opens another. Recognizing these things requires us to pay attention. Acting on these things requires us to have faith and flexibility.

Here’s an alternative definition of balance:
To focus on the important while minimizing or eliminating the unimportant.

In John 15:1-17, Jesus uses the word “abide” ten times. To abide in Jesus is to be connected to, supplied by, and directed by Him. Christians talk a lot about bearing fruit, but I think it’s important to note that Jesus does not command us to bear fruit; he commands us to abide in Him and then fruit is the natural result. A life that bears the kind of fruit that God desires to cultivate is the ultimate description of a biblically balanced life.

Take Action

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
J.R.R. Tolkien

1. On a scale of one to ten, rate your level of excellence in each of these priorities:

____ Work

____ Finances

____ Marriage

____ Spiritual Life

____ Physical Health

____ Family Life

2. Remember the words “peace, joy, and contentment” from our definition? Throughout the day, whenever you notice one of those things missing, take it as a reminder to refocus your thoughts on Jesus Christ.

Efficiency

How do you get the greatest mileage out of a tank of gas? If you drive too fast, the increasing drag from the air and road combined with the physical limitations of the engine will sap your efficiency. This is called the law of diminishing returns. If you drive too slowly, on the other hand, the vehicle’s auxiliary systems will continue to draw a fixed amount of power from the engine and reduce your miles per gallon. You can, in fact, run out of gas in a parked car. The greatest efficiency, and thus the greatest performance, lies somewhere in the middle.

One key purpose of balance is to get the most out of your life. We’ve now looked at the definition of balance, which starts with managing one’s time and resources in a way that serves God’s purposes. God has placed certain assets in your control that He expects you to manage: we all have varying amounts of talents, skills, influence, and money. And we all have exactly twenty-four hours each day. Balance is all about utilizing those assets as effectively as possible.

There are several ways to increase the “efficiency” of your life: first by pacing yourself and finding the sweet spot between over-exertion and lethargy. Then you can reduce your fixed costs by eliminating wasteful financial and time obligations. Finally, you can train yourself to increase your effective capacity for work. 

For starters, we must carefully consider the most important point of all: how does God measure effectiveness?

We define biblical stewardship as Christians managing God’s resources in accordance with biblical priorities. This requires the conversion of our hearts, minds, calendars, and pocketbooks. It means that decisions on how to invest our resources are really spiritual decisions that require faithfulness and wisdom.

It can be difficult to keep a biblical stewardship perspective in today’s culture. But in the end, godliness and contentment are key to living a strategic life!

(Audio note: Can you tell we picked a rainy day to record under a metal roof? Sorry about that! Even so, we give thanks to the Lord for sending rain to South Texas.)

Scripture from this Episode

Want to go deeper in this study? Click on this image to download our FREE eBook on Biblical Stewardship.

“Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.” I Cor. 4:1-2, NASB

“Then He said to them, ‘Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.’” Luke 12:15, NASB

“Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.” I Timothy 6:17-19, NASB

“Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds, for riches don’t last forever, and the crown might not be passed to the next generation.” Proverbs 27:23, NLT

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing…” Proverbs 3:9-10, NIV

“You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.” James 4:3, NASB

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10, NASB

“In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.” Prov. 21:20, NIV

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” Proverbs 6:6‐8, NIV

“Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another…” Romans 13:8a, NASB

“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.” Prov. 22:7, NASB

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21, NASB

Suggested Resources

Video: Why Has America Been Blessed by Reed and Liz Hewitt

Article: What is Biblical Stewardship by Liz Hewitt

Article: Money, Wealth, and the Book of Proverbs by Reed and Liz Hewitt

Book: Master Your Money written by Ron Blue and published by Moody Publishers in 1986/updated in 2016.

Book: Managing God’s Money written by Randy Alcorn and published by Tyndale House in 2011.

For Christians who are new to the topic of stewardship, this is the ultimate paradigm shift! How about you…are you seeking God for the answers to your financial decisions? Are you relying on Him for your provision?

Want to go deeper in this study? Click on this image to download our FREE eBook on Biblical Stewardship.

We believe that financial decisions are really spiritual decisions. What we do with our money and how we use our possessions shows where our heart is. It all comes down to giving full ownership back to the Lord.

(Audio note: Can you tell we picked a rainy day to record under a metal roof? Sorry about that! Even so, we give thanks to the Lord for sending rain to South Texas.)

Scripture from this Episode

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for He founded it on the seas and established it upon the waters.” Psalm 24:1-2, NIV

“Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone. Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name.” I Chronicles 29:1-2, NASB

“Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand.” Proverbs 19:21, NASB

Suggested Resources

Video: Why Has America Been Blessed by Reed and Liz Hewitt

Article: What is Biblical Stewardship by Liz Hewitt

Article: Money, Wealth, and the Book of Proverbs by Reed and Liz Hewitt

Book: Master Your Money written by Ron Blue and published by Moody Publishers in 1986/updated in 2016.

How do you live a strategic life? How do you make the most of the resources that God has entrusted to your care, and avoid the pitfalls that distract you from His calling on your life?

In this video, we share 5 keys for Christians to live intentionally and effectively. When these 5 strategic elements come together, Christians can live the fruitful and abundant life that God has called us to live.

You can dive deeper into this study by listening to our podcast series that starts with podcast episode six, which is called “Living a Strategic Life”.

As you listen, we hope you’ll see that there is no greater joy to be found in life than in fulfilling the calling that God has given you.

“For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” I Cor. 3:11-15, NASB

Randy Alcorn, author of one of my favorite books, Managing God’s Money: A Biblical Guide, says, “In contrast to materialism’s emptiness, there is joyful liberty in Christ. Those who hold tightly to the true God will loosen their grip on money – and thereby loosen money’s grip on them.”¹

Are you keeping a tight grip on your possessions?

Stewardship:

Contrary to worldly thinking, the Bible tells us that we are not the ultimate owners of physical possessions or financial assets. We are to operate as managers of our time, energy, money, and talents. God is ruler over all…period.

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” Psalm 24:1, NIV

“Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all…” I Chron. 29:12a, NASB

Biblical stewardship can be defined as Christians managing God’s resources in accordance with biblical priorities. This requires the conversion of our hearts, minds, calendars, and pocketbooks. It means decisions on how to invest our resources are really spiritual decisions that require faithfulness and wisdom.

“Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.” I Cor. 4:1-2, NASB

Are you strategically managing resources with an eternal mindset?

Counter-cultural Priorities:

The late Christian financial expert Larry Burkett made the unfortunate observation that “the Christian world is no different from the secular world when it comes to debt, bankruptcy, and divorce because priorities are misplaced.”

It can be difficult to keep a biblical stewardship perspective from day to day. We live in a world that promises comfort, security, and happiness from accumulating more stuff or building wealth. But increasing our lifestyle is not what life is truly all about.

“Then He said to them, ‘Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.’” Luke 12:15, NASB

In the end, godliness and contentment are key. We brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing with us when we die (I Tim. 6:6-7). We’ll avoid a lot of grief if we can keep our priorities straight.

“Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.” I Timothy 6:17-19, NASB

Are you taking hold of that which is life indeed?

Ultimately, living as a wise, biblical steward is for our own good. It’s the only way to make the best investments of the resources that God has called us to manage. It’s the best way to bring God glory and advance kingdom purposes.

Once we make the commitment to become faithful stewards, it is necessary to study what the Bible says about managing resources, generosity, and being prepared for the future. (You’ll notice that the majority of these verses cover physical assets.)

Managing Resources:

Our God-given resources include our time, energy, money, and talents. In all of these areas, it’s wise to monitor where we’re at and where we’re heading, by diligently working towards goals that align with biblical priorities and our God-given purpose in life.

“Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds, for riches don’t last forever, and the crown might not be passed to the next generation.” Proverbs 27:23, NLT

“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” Prov. 21:5, NIV

“For which of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him.” Luke 14:28‐29, NASB

When it comes to our financial resources, many stewards have found a monthly spending plan, or budget, to be helpful in keeping track of their household expenditures and long-term goals. To be a faithful asset manager, it requires careful planning, routine monitoring, and living below your means.

Firstfruits:

Like what you are reading? Click on this image to download our FREE eBook on Biblical Stewardship.

We read in Proverbs 3:9-10, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing…” (NIV)

By first giving a portion of our income back to God, we acknowledge that He is the source of all our resources. This keeps our flesh from taking ownership, reminding us that we are stewards and not owners. As Randy Alcorn says, “[Tithing] should be a meaningful expression of our dependence upon God and gratitude to Him.”¹

God promises to bless His children who follow this simple plan!

Generosity:

Some of the resources that God puts under our management is to be allocated for others. We shouldn’t use it all for ourselves, but rather look for ways to help others.

“You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.” James 4:3, NASB

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10, NASB

To kick it up another notch, we can practice sacrificial giving. Randy Alcorn says, “God’s money manager doesn’t ask, ‘How much more can I keep?’ but ‘How much more can I give?’ Whenever we start to get comfortable with our level of giving, it’s time to ask God if He wants us to raise it again.”¹

How’s that for a challenge!

The Future:

Living paycheck‐to‐paycheck or using up all our financial resources is foolish. We can’t predict the future, but we should plan for one! It’s wise to set aside resources for unplanned mishaps or future emergencies.

“In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.” Prov. 21:20, NIV

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” Proverbs 6:6‐8, NIV

Another way of devouring our resources, and presuming upon the future, is to accumulate debt. While the Bible never prohibits debt, it cautions against debt.

“Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another…” Romans 13:8a, NASB

“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.” Prov. 22:7, NASB

Unnecessary debt-fueled spending is like telling God that He has not provided enough to cover all our needs. If a steward is managing God’s resources, and He has promised to provide all that we need, then a lack of funds is a result of poor management. And that’s why it is my personal conviction that consumer debt is not necessary for American families. Like with our government, too many of us simply have a problem with overspending.

With creative and strategic planning, mixed in with delayed gratification and personal discipline, Christians can live debt-free and not be in bondage to lenders. To find true financial freedom, we need to live within (and below) our means.

Finally, biblical stewardship points us to our eternal future. Heaven is our real home and this world is just a temporary dwelling place.

“Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2, NASB

“For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.” Hebrews 13:14, NASB

Our culture is completely focused on the things of this world, but as Christians we must keep the bigger picture in mind. The things of this earth will ultimately ALL pass away. Investing in treasures that last forever will pay the ultimate dividend!

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21, NASB

Randy Alcorn explains it this way, “Kingdom currency is the only medium of exchange recognized by the Son of God, whose government will last forever. That currency is our present faithful service and sacrificial use of our resources for Him.”¹

When we finally reach our eternal home, may we all hear our Master say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” (Matt. 25:21, KJV)

Be sure to watch this 3-minute video by LivingStrategically.com
to continue the study on biblical stewardship!

Highly Recommended Resources:

¹ Managing God’s Money: A Biblical Guide written by Randy Alcorn and published by Tyndale House Publishers in 2011.

² The Treasure Principle written by Randy Alcorn and published by Multnomah Books in 2001, updated in 2017.

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“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

In these verses, we find a biblical prescription for living wisely and making the most of our short time on earth. They form a foundation for Christians who want to build a life of purpose and true fulfillment.

Five Keys to Living a Strategic Life

Whether it’s a podcast episode or blog post, everything we produce at Living Strategically touches on one or more of these five key concepts. We see these five pillars as essential elements for any Christian who wants to make the most of their life.

1. 1. Eternal Perspective

      “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise…”
      The Bible tells us that part of living wisely is remembering that this earth is not our home. Our real citizenship is in Heaven and we are to invest our temporal assets in ways that gain eternal dividends.

      Related verses: Matthew 6:19-21 and 1 John 2:15-18

   2. Stewardship

      “…making the most of your time….”
      God is the owner of all that we manage, which makes us stewards. Wise stewards use their time, energy, money, and talents in ways that bring God glory and advance kingdom purposes. When we are faithful stewards, God’s blessings follow.

      Related verses: 1 Corinthians 4:2, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, and 1 Peter 4:7-11

   3. Freedom

      We know from the full counsel of Scripture that God desires for His people to be free — free from sin and encumbrances that hinder our effectiveness as Christians. We find this freedom when we walk daily by the Holy Spirit, because He keeps us on the straight and narrow and helps us to see sin for what it really is (captivity) and submission to God for what it really is (freedom).

      And in our foundational verses, we see what we should be doing with that freedom: choosing to walk with wisdom and managing our time for maximum impact.

      Related verses: Galatians 5 and Hebrews 12:1-3

   4. Prophetic Urgency

      “…making the most of your time, because the days are evil.”
      Because we are living in the end times, it is crucial to use our days wisely. We must also stay on the alert because our culture will only become increasingly evil. We need to be doing the will of God and studying the Bible, in order to be bright lights in the darkness.

      Related verses: Mark 13:33 and Matthew 24:37-51

   5. Biblical Framework

      “So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
      To know the will of God, we must be getting daily nourishment from God’s Word. This practice builds our faith and keeps our focus on Christ. A biblical framework is the most important key to living a strategic life!

      Related verses: 1 Timothy 4:6-16 and Hosea 14:9

When these five strategic elements come together, we can live the fruitful and abundant life that God has called us to live.

“Five Pillars” Podcast Series from Living Strategically

We encourage you to dive deeper into this study by listening to the following five podcast episodes. Through this series, we aimed to unpack the five pillars of living a strategic life and study what the Bible says about a life lived with intention.

• Living a Strategic Life
• Living with Purpose
• Living Unhindered
• Living More Simply
• Living in the End Times

This study shows us that there is no greater joy to be found in life than fulfilling the calling that God has given you. And the impact it can have on others, both here on earth and for eternity, is astounding! We pray that you will apply these five strategic keys to your own life and reap the blessings that follow.

We also encourage you to watch this 4-minute video that sums up the podcast series.

Simple living is an attitude of the heart that God calls His children to live by in order to find true fulfillment. The world will tell you to aim for quantity over quality, but that actually leads to a stressful life. When we stay content with a more simple lifestyle, it helps us prioritize the essential and live more intentionally.

In our upcoming episode, we’ll continue to “unpack” the core principles of Living Strategically, so be sure to subscribe to this Christian podcast!

Scripture from this Episode

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17, NASB

“There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: riches being hoarded by their owner to his hurt.” Ecclesiastes 6:13, NASB

“Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one’s labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward.” Ecclesiastes 6:18, NASB

“Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.” Genesis 2:15, NASB

“When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.” Genesis 3:6, NASB

“For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10, NASB

“I cared for you in the wilderness, in the land of drought. As they had their pasture, they became satisfied, and being satisfied, their heart became proud; therefore they forgot Me.” Hosea 13:5-6, NASB

“And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the Word, but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the Word, and it becomes unfruitful.” Mark 4:18-19, NASB

“Let us examine and probe our ways, and let us return to the Lord.
We lift up our heart and hands toward God in heaven…”
Lamentations 3:40-41, NASB

At Living Strategically, we’re all about using our time, energy, money, and talents in ways that make an impact for eternity. A wise steward knows that these assets are too precious to waste. Here’s a strategic method for examining your life and living with intentionality!

Evaluation Process

For our family, we sit down every six months and prayerfully evaluate how we’re doing on reaching goals and utilizing our resources. We keep a journal where we have written our key areas of focus and prioritize how to invest the next six months. These investments cover the areas of time, finances, ministry opportunities, personal projects, career, health, etc.

It’s so helpful to look back in the journal, covering many years, and see the progress we’ve made but also the path to follow for the future. As the months pass by, our written goals provide us with accountability and help us keep an eternal perspective. They also keep us on high alert for things that would distract or prohibit us from reaching goals.

We believe if we’re diligent in the little things, over time we’ll accomplish much. Like it says in Proverbs 21:5, “Plans of the diligent surely lead to gain…” Another version says, “Steady plodding leads to prosperity…”

Biblical Framework

It’s also important that our goals are based on a biblical framework. God’s Word contains all the wisdom and guidance we need to choose the right path. And God has given mankind the responsibility to do exactly that. If we don’t fulfill our responsibility to chart our course then someone else (bosses, advertisers, family members, our peer group) will chart it for us. We want to be following God’s agenda for our lives, rather than leaving it to chance or peer pressure.

Being Proactive

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Our personal evaluation method is completely opposite from basic human nature. Typically people react to circumstances instead of being proactive. Patrick Morley, author of The Man in the Mirror¹, says, “Instead, we rush from task to busy task, but we don’t call enough time-outs to reflect on life’s larger meaning and purpose. Rather, we live myopically from day-to-day-to-day; we live under the tyranny of today’s problems.”

Stewardship

An important part of stewardship is looking at the big picture rather than being short-sighted — taking the time to examine how we are investing the assets that God entrusts into our care. If we’re not careful, we’ll lose sight of our higher calling and reach the end of our lives without fulfilling our God-given purpose.

Are you managing your affairs with diligence and careful examination? We’d encourage you to take a time-out and truly evaluate how you’re doing in working towards God’s calling on your life.

¹ The Man in the Mirror written by Patrick Morley and published by Zondervan in 1997, updated in 2014.

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We also talk about the special calling that God gave to Abram/Abraham in Genesis 12 and how he demonstrated intentional focus and obedience to head toward the Promise Land as soon as he received that calling. It says in Genesis 12:4, “So Abram went forth as the Lord had spoken to him…” His obedience reminds us of the quote: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” This is where you start walking. Just like Abram, you start taking steps in the direction that God is leading you.

As Christians, we should live each day purposefully and intentionally. In order to do that, we must live our lives in response to God’s call. Once you answer that call, you are on your way to a fruitful and abundant life!

In our upcoming episodes, we’ll continue to “unpack” the core principles of Living Strategically and study what the Bible says about this concept, so tune in weekly and subscribe to this Christian podcast!

Scripture from this Episode

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” I Corinthians 10:31

“Everyone who is called by My name, and whom I have created for My glory, whom I have formed, even whom I have made.” Isaiah 43:7

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

“Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go forth from your country, and from your relatives and from your father’s house, to the land which I will show you. And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing.” Genesis 12:1-2

“So Abram went forth as the Lord had spoken to him…” Genesis 12:4

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17

“So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

Suggested Resource

Living Strategically Book Recommendations

There’s no greater joy to be found in life than fulfilling the calling that God has given you. And the impact it can have on others, both here on earth and for eternity, is astounding! In our upcoming episodes, we’ll continue to “unpack” the core principles of Living Strategically and study what the Bible says about this concept, so tune in weekly and subscribe to this Christian podcast!

Scripture from this Episode

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20, NASB

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17, NASB

Suggested Resources

Jonathan Cahn at the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9xMxkNROto&list=WL&index=3&t=0s

Why has America been blessed?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoN9-Qnpmfg

As Christians, we should never lose sight of where our eternal home is because that affects all of our actions and decisions while on earth. The Bible tells us that Jesus is preparing a place for us in heaven and we should all be seeking that city which is to come, the new Jerusalem (see Revelation 21 and 22). It also reminds us that our real citizenship is in heaven and we should eagerly await our Savior’s second coming. A glorious homecoming awaits us at the end of this present age!

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Scripture from this Episode

“He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11

“For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.” Hebrews 13:14

“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:2-3

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:16-17

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.” Philippians 3:20-21

Suggested Resource

The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn

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Reading these books, we are amazed at how little the Ingalls family had to make do with and yet how much abundance they felt like they had. They were pioneers and knew how to live off the land. At times they had harsh weather and endured financial hardships. Through it all, they had contentment, which is a strategic mindset, multiplying the effectiveness of their circumstances.

The Ingalls family also lived a very simple lifestyle, especially compared to American standards in today’s culture. They held possessions loosely and valued relationships over material gain. Being content with what God supplied allowed them to overcome challenges and leave an enduring legacy that still inspires readers today.

Scripture from this Episode

“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.” I Timothy 6:6-8, NASB

“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13, NASB

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.” I Corinthians 9:24

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Suggested Resource

Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Proverbs takes many different aspects of our financial lives and reveals the unifying thread:

In the long run, prosperity is inextricably linked to character.

In this post we have listed 39 passages from Proverbs that cover topics from tithing and generosity to greed and debt. Take a moment to see what these verses say about your approach to money and wealth!

Wealth & Riches

Proverbs highlights the fact that wealth is neither good nor bad on its own. It tends to be the natural result of diligence and integrity (albeit not necessarily right away). But we are cautioned that wealth is not always what it seems!

“The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor, and life.” Proverbs 22:4, NASB

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty. The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death.” Proverbs 21:5-6, NASB

“Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, cease from your consideration of it. When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings like an eagle that flies toward the heavens.” Proverbs 23:4-5, NASB

“Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds; for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations.” Proverbs 27:23-24, NASB

“There is one who pretends to be rich, but has nothing; another pretends to be poor, but has great wealth.” Proverbs 13:7, NASB

“A rich person’s wealth is a strong city or like a high wall—in his imagination.” Proverbs 18:11, TLV

“A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, favor is better than silver and gold. The rich and the poor have a common bond, the LORD is the maker of them all.” Proverbs 22:1-2, NASB

Hard Work

Even though Proverbs warns us more than once not to wear ourselves out in pursuit of riches, it also emphasizes the importance of a good work ethic. There is also a measure of “work smarter, not just harder” in these verses, encouraging us to work at the most opportune time and to improve our skillset.

“Prepare your work outside and make it ready for yourself in the field; afterwards, then, build your house.” Proverbs 24:27, NASB

“Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.” Proverbs 10:4-5, TLV

“He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who pursues worthless things lacks sense.” Proverbs 12:11, NASB

“Plans of the diligent surely lead to gain, but all who are hasty come only to loss.” Proverbs 21:5, TLV

“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” Proverbs 22:29, NASB

Wisdom

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In a classic example of God’s economy, we are told to seek wisdom instead of wealth… and then we come to find that wisdom leads to success on many different levels, often including our finances.

“Receive my instruction instead of silver and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than jewels, nothing you desire compares with her.” Proverbs 8:10-11, TLV

“How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.” Proverbs 16:16, NASB

“Precious treasure and oil are in a wise person’s dwelling, but a foolish person devours all he has.” Proverbs 21:20, TLV

“Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the LORD will stand.” Proverbs 19:21, NASB

“Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22, TLV

“Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory.” Proverbs 11:14, NASB

Righteousness

Looking for a good insurance policy? Try righteousness! Of course we know that the righteous do experience trials and tribulations, but the principle here is that godly living ultimately brings God’s blessing.

“The house of the righteous has great wealth, but the income of the wicked brings trouble.” Proverbs 15:6, TLV

“Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.” Proverbs 11:28, TLV

“The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the dwelling of the righteous.” Proverbs 3:33, NASB

Being Satisfied & Content

As an important corollary to the three verses above, Proverbs also explains that contentment is a more important ingredient in prosperity than the actual quantity of your riches.

“Two things I asked of You, do not refuse me before I die: Keep deception and lies far from me, give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is my portion, that I not be full and deny You and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or that I not be in want and steal, and profane the name of my God.” Proverbs 30:7-9, NASB

“By the fruit of his mouth a man will be satisfied with good. The work of a man’s hands will reward him.” Proverbs 12:14, TLV

“The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is made fat.” Proverbs 13:4, NASB

“The fear of the LORD leads to life, so that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.” Proverbs 19:23, NASB

Tithing & Generosity

Giving is one of the healthiest financial actions we can take. It breaks the power of greed in our lives. It allows us to be God’s blessing to someone in need. But perhaps most importantly, it is how we walk out our belief that God is in control and that He can make more out of what we have left over than we could have made if we hoarded our money.

“Honor the LORD from your wealth and from the first of all your produce; so your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10, NASB

“There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, and there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want. The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11:24-25, NASB

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.” Proverbs 3:27, NASB

“He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.” Proverbs 28:27, NASB

“One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his good deed.” Proverbs 19:17, NASB

Greed

The thing about greed, Proverbs tells us, is that it generally results in the opposite of what it seeks. Greed is often a shortcut to poverty, and even when a greedy person succeeds in accumulating wealth, they will not find the fulfillment that they expected.

“Do not wear yourself out to get rich. Be wise enough to restrain yourself.” Proverbs 23:4, TLV

“A stingy man chases after riches, but does not know that poverty will overtake him.” Proverbs 28:22, TLV

“A faithful man will have many blessings, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.” Proverbs 28:20, TLV

“A greedy soul stirs up strife, but one who trusts in Adonai prospers.” Proverbs 28:25, TLV

“All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the LORD weighs the motives.” Proverbs 16:2, NASB

Debt

Proverbs speaks bluntly about the danger of debt. It also has many verses that don’t mention debt directly, but which accurately describe modern, debt-fueled consumerism. Debt tends to be a shortcut that looks like a blessing at the time, but results in years of regret.

“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.” Proverbs 22:7, NASB

“Do not be among those who give pledges, among those who become guarantors for debts. If you have nothing with which to pay, why should he take your bed from under you?” Proverbs 22:26-27, NASB

“He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not become rich.” Proverbs 21:17, NASB

“It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich, and He adds no sorrow to it.” Proverbs 10:22, NASB

“Even to your old age I will be the same, until you are gray I will carry you. I have done it; I will bear you; I will carry you; I will deliver you.” Isaiah 46:4, TLV

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Personally my husband and I are a few decades from age 65, the age that our American culture expects people to enter into retirement. Our parents, however, are about to face this issue so we picked up a copy of Jeff Haanen’s new book An Uncommon Guide to Retirement¹. We discovered the book through a podcast called “Money Wise”, and it sounded like an interesting book to explore. (Want to subscribe? Click here for their podcast. We definitely recommend it!)

The main premise of the book is to find God’s purpose for the final season of your life, retiring “in a way that’s God-honoring, purpose-filled, restful, and truly biblical.” For some, retirement may include working part-time, mentoring, or volunteering. For others, it may include taking up a hobby and spending more time with family. Life requires a proper balance of work and rest, but a strategic retirement does not include idleness and extended self-focused pleasure.

So many Americans think retirement is a well deserved vacation that follows forty years of stressful labor. Ever heard the saying, “I’m retired…good-bye tension, hello pension”? This becomes a problem in two ways. It’s estimated that half of retirees are leaving the work-force with too little savings or investments to live off of for the remainder of their lifetime, and they may need to continue working at least part-time to stay out of financial trouble. Also, living a life focused on luxury and leisure is not biblical. Instead, Christians are called to be strategic, living with an eternal mindset, regardless of our stage of life. The author describes it as “one’s entire life lived in response to God’s call.”

When first entering retirement, Jeff Haanen advocates for taking a (probably much-needed) sabbatical rest in order to make a healthy emotional transition into a slower-paced lifestyle, but also to wholeheartedly seek the Lord’s purpose for your final decades of life. This Sabbath’s rest can last a few months or an entire year, depending on how God leads each individual, and is a way to realign your purpose and identity with God’s call on your life.

Once you discern the Lord’s will for your retirement years you are on your way to an abundant life, which a life of full-time leisure would never deliver. Wisdom tells us to live each day as a faithful steward of the time, energy, money, and talents that God has given us. Assets that are too precious to waste.

Our Response

“O God, You have taught me from my youth, and I still declare Your wondrous deeds.
And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me,
Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come.”
Psalm 71:17-18, NASB

Though the world may think otherwise, a fulfilling life does not begin at retirement for a Christian. We all have a God-given purpose to fulfill in our short time on earth, regardless of our age or abilities. Though things may become slower-paced the older we get, it’s important to invest each day we are given in ways that serve the Lord and others, for this is the ultimate way to live a fruitful and fulfilling life.

The next generation needs to see Christians who strategically live out their faith in their final decades on earth. Jeff Haanen says, “Rather than retreating into private life, biblical elders embrace their age as a season to influence their families, communities, and the broader society.” Be intentional about the legacy that you leave when your time on earth comes to an end.

In closing, consider this thought-provoking question about our final years, from pastor and author John Piper, “How will we live them in such a way as to show that Christ is our highest Treasure?”

¹ An Uncommon Guide to Retirement written by Jeff Haanen and published by Moody Publishers in 2019.

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When it comes to the topic of money and possessions, the Bible contains over 2,300 verses. Why would God include that many verses on one topic? He knew it was a topic we would need lots of guidance on. Randy Alcorn, author of one of my favorite books, Managing God’s Money: A Biblical Guide, says, “The sheer enormity of the Bible’s teaching on this subject screams for our attention.” ¹

But, have you been putting His words into practice? There’s nothing like operating your life like a wise man! (Matt. 7:24‐27)

Let’s uncover a few of the truths that God has given us, and while we do, test yourself and see how you’re doing…

• God owns it all…

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” Psalm 24:1, NIV

“Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all…” I Chron. 29:12a, NASB

Food for thought: You don’t own your money or possessions, God does. You are merely a steward, being trusted to use it wisely and for His purposes. Therefore, spending decisions are also spiritual decisions.

“Wisdom is the ability to view life as God perceives it.” ~Chuck Swindoll

• God does not want us to trust in or love riches…

“He who trusts in riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like the green leaf.” Prov. 11:28, NASB

“Do not love the world nor the things in the world.” I John 2:15a, NASB

Food for thought: We should trust in the Lord rather than money and possessions. He is the One we should love and the One who protects and provides for the righteous.

“Whether or not we own nice things, He wants to be sure that we aren’t owned by them!”
~Chuck Swindoll, The Owner’s Manual for Christians

• God wants us to be content…

“Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.’ ” Heb. 13:5, NASB

“For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.” I Tim. 6:7‐8, NASB

“Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.” Eccl. 5:10, NIV

“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.” Prov. 23:4, NIV

Food for thought: The dictionary defines contentment as “a state of happiness and satisfaction”. This “state” can only be found when we make Him our main focus in life. Nothing else compares!

“In contrast to materialism’s emptiness, there is joyful liberty in Christ.
Those who hold tightly to the true God will loosen their grip on money and
thereby loosen money’s grip on them.” ~Randy Alcorn ¹

• 

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  God wants us to give of our “firstfruits” (tithe)…

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house…” Malachi 3:10a, NIV

“Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year…so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.” Deut. 14:22 and 29b, NIV

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” Prov. 3:9‐10, NIV

Food for thought: When we receive income, we acknowledge that it comes from God by first giving a portion back to Him. In the Old Testament, ten percent was required as the tithe. Since the New Testament was written, givers are encouraged to give sacrificially, which may mean more than just 10% in your case. Definitely something to pray about!

“[Tithing] should be a meaningful expression of our dependence upon God
and gratitude to Him.” ~Randy Alcorn ¹

• The wise save for the future…

“In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.” Prov. 21:20, NIV

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” Proverbs 6:6‐8, NIV

Food for thought: Living paycheck‐to‐paycheck or using up all your financial resources each month is, as the Bible says, foolish.

“Out of the will of God there is no such thing as success;
in the will of God there cannot be any failure.” ~Author Unknown

• The wise have a “game plan”…

“For which of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him.” Luke 14:28‐29, NASB

“Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds, for riches don’t last forever, and the crown might not be passed to the next generation.” Proverbs 27:23, NLT

“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” Prov. 21:5, NIV

Food for thought: It is wise to know your financial situation and have your affairs in order. We can’t predict the future, but we should plan for one!

“I like to think of budgeting as goal‐setting, not limit‐setting. A budget helps us align our day‐to‐day actions with our long‐term hopes and dreams. It’s about living purposefully, not carelessly.” ~Amy Suardi

• God wants us to be debt free…

“Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another…” Romans 13:8a, NASB

“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.” Prov. 22:7, NASB

Food for thought: Debt adds stress to our lives and God has a better plan for us than that! Remember Proverbs 23:4, it is better to “show restraint”.

“Spending your life trying to look like something you’re not isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. It’s time to take some pressure off yourself!” ~Dave Ramsey

• The wise care for the needs of others…

“…he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need.” Eph. 4:28b, NASB

“One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.” Prov. 11:24, NIV

“You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.” James 4:3, NASB

Food for thought: Some of the money God puts in our possession is to be allocated for others. We shouldn’t use it all for ourselves, but rather, also look out for needs that others may have.

“But giving away our excess does something for us that keeping or spending it doesn’t. It makes us dependent on God…”~Randy Alcorn ¹

Our Response

“We can change the way we think, which will change the way we act. And as we change the way we act, the way we feel also begins to change. In the breaking of every habit, someone wills it first and feels it later. Whatever you do, don’t shrug your shoulders and decide the prospect is too hard to do and too much to ask.” ~Beth Moore, So Long, Insecurity

Whew! That was a lot of material to cover in a short time. But aren’t you glad that God gives us instructions on how to manage finances the right way?

Our heavenly Father knows that if His children live by these standards we will avoid a lot of grief (I Timothy 6:6‐19). He tells us that the quest for more money can be a distraction from our life purpose (Matt. 6:25, 31‐33 and Luke 12:15). It causes Christians to put their trust in the things of this world instead of Him (Deut. 8:13‐14). And it leads us to being less generous with those in need (2 Cor. 9:6‐9).

God wants us to be 100% obedient in handling our finances in the ways that He has prescribed in His Word. Anything less is disobedience.

¹ Managing God’s Money: A Biblical Guide written by Randy Alcorn and published by Tyndale House Publishers in 2011.

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Do you believe that God has blessed America? Most American Christians do, but not many stop and think about what we’re supposed to do with all those blessings.

As Christians in a land of plenty, we need to take a long hard look at what our Lord expects of us — and at the extraordinary results that obedience will bring. Once we do, the idea of giving our wealth and our lives for the Kingdom starts to look less like a sacrifice and more like an investment.

Download

For your small group Bible studies, we have a printable, one-page discussion guide that digs deeper into the issues addressed in the video.

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“Why has American been blessed?” by Living Strategically is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

This means you can download and share this work as much as you like at no charge.  However, you must not alter this work or sell it.  You also must attribute this work to Living Strategically, which you can do simply by allowing the logo to show at the end of the video.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12, NIV

The world is full of distractions. Distractions that keep us from living a healthy life (spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and socially). Distractions that take time away from our families and meaningful relationships. Distractions that keep us running at full speed, nonstop, and still not getting where we need to go.

If we aren’t careful, we’ll look back one day and realize how quickly our lives have passed us by. That will not be the time to evaluate our life purpose and why God has placed us on this earth. That time is now.

The Audit

“Your time is your life. Period. How you spend it ends up being what your life is.”
~Dr. Henry Cloud, The One‐Life Solution ¹

We are all placed on this earth for a purpose. God has a mission for us and He has placed a longing in our hearts (Ps. 37:4) to fulfill that specific mission. Until we are working towards His goals, we won’t find true, meaningful fulfillment in this life.

It takes awareness to attain your life purpose. This awareness involves knowing that our days on earth are short (compared to eternity), so they must be used wisely. You must also know what God’s calling on your life is and be aware of how you are spending your time in order to track your progress towards satisfying that calling.

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Dr. Henry Cloud, in his book The One‐Life Solution¹, suggests doing a “time and purpose audit” to reveal how you are using your time (especially regarding the attainment of your life purpose and goals). This will help ensure that you are getting the results you desire (and God desires!) in connection with the effort you are putting forth. He says “results are a function of how [we] spend [our] time” and the only way to get good results is to live carefully and intentionally. He goes on to say “…people do not take enough time to look at themselves and their use of time to find out what their patterns and issues are that are causing them to not use their time wisely. And that is the purpose of what I call the ‘audit’.”

This audit includes three parts:

1. An awareness of where you spend your time.
– Keep a log for a few weeks and track your time in 30 minute intervals. (Include your “work life” and your “personal life” in the same audit.)
– Evaluate the patterns you see.

2. An awareness of your values, life mission/purpose, spiritual giftedness, and the connections and disconnections between how you spend your time and accomplishing these goals.
– Write out your life goals. These should be measurable and be given a specific time line.
– Analyze your time log for “the why and the how” of any time that is not on target with your life goals.

3. An awareness of personal habits that are contributing to you not attaining your life goals.
– Discuss with an accountability partner the behaviors you see and come up with some rules for yourself on how to change bad behaviors.
– Don’t let the discrepancies between your life purpose and distractions that eat up your time continue.
– Keep working on changing any bad habits you find until you don’t need to anymore. Dr. Cloud compares learning discipline to riding a bike with training wheels. When you reach the point of knowing how to balance without the training wheels, you don’t need them anymore.

Doing an audit will help you discover areas of your life that lack structure, accountability, and are off target from your purpose in life. Too many times people who live in a fast‐paced culture are overtaken by subtle distractions and before long, they realize they are off track from reaching their life goals. As Dr. Cloud says, “There is usually going to be a direct relationship between how well something is going and the amount of focused time and energy it is getting.”

Our Response

“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing,
drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.”
Luke 21:34, NKJV

Discipline. Diligence. Perseverance. Faithfulness. Making the most of each opportunity. These are the character traits and structure that God desires for His children to live by. These traits require an awareness of how we are spending our time. Once you’ve done an audit of your life, and you get on track for living for His purposes, you will find great fulfillment in life. It’s not easy to stay the course but the reward is worth it (Prov 21:5)!

Take a look at these verses that support the concept of auditing how you are spending your life. Which of these concepts do you need to work on in your life?

• Make the most of your time on earth – Ephesians 5:15‐17
• Know that your time on earth is fleeting and “but a breath” – Psalm 39:4‐5, NIV
• You are just a vapor and you don’t know what your life will be like tomorrow – James 4:13‐17
• Dedicate your life to God’s service – Romans 12:1‐2
• Don’t neglect your spiritual gift – I Timothy 4:14‐16
• Be diligent and don’t be slow to make progress (being sluggish) – Hebrews 6:11‐12
• Make the most of opportunities to witness to nonbelievers – Colossians 4:5‐6
• Be ready for the second coming of our Lord – Luke 21:34; Matthew 24:42

There are many things in this world that are good, when evaluated on their own. However, when compared to other activities they may not be the best investments of your time. As the saying goes, “Good. Better. Best. Never let it rest, until the good is better and the better is the best.”

¹The One‐Life Solution written by Dr. Henry Cloud and published by Harper Collins Publishers in 2008.

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Statistics show that the majority of Christians in America barely give 3% of their incomes to their churches. And, hardly 5% of American Christians give a tithe (full 10%). Obviously our possessions have a greater tug on our hearts than the Lord. Larry Burkett once said, “The Christian world is no different from the secular world when it comes to debt, bankruptcy, and divorce because priorities are misplaced.”

This post is a challenge for us all to make God supreme in our lives, our giving, and our relationships with others.

The Challenge

“So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12, NASB

I just finished reading the book Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper ¹. My life has been changed. Perhaps reading the following quotes will impact you and encourage you to read his book, too.

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• “This was the great coming together for me–the breakthrough. What was life about? What was it for? Why do I exist? Why am I here? To be happy? Or to glorify God?” (p.31)
• “The wasted life is the life without a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples.” (p.31)
• “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” (p.49)
• “If we look like our lives are devoted to getting and maintaining things, we will look like the world, and that will not make Christ look great…He will not look like an all‐satisfying treasure.” (p.108)
• “I am wired by nature to love the same toys that the world loves. I start to fit in. I start to love what others love. I start to call earth ‘home’. Before you know it, I am calling luxuries ‘needs’ and using my money just the way unbelievers do.” (p.112)
• Quoting J. Campell White: “Fame, pleasure, and riches are but husks and ashes in contrast with the boundless and abiding joy of working with God for the fulfillment of his eternal plans. The men who are putting everything into Christ’s undertaking are getting out of life its sweetest and most priceless rewards.” (p.170)
• “The effort to evangelize the world presents the speediest and surest methods of saving the Church. Our material resources are so stupendous that we are in danger of coming to trust in riches rather than in God.” (p.171)
• “O Father, grant your church to love your glory more than gold–to cease her love affair with comfort and security. Grant that we seek the Kingdom first…Help us to see that if we try to guard our wealth, instead of using it to show it’s not our god, then we will waste our lives, however we succeed.” (p. 188)

Brothers and sisters in Christ, we need to align our focus with the mission we have on this earth. We are in the middle of a spiritual battle, with the lives of non‐Believers on the line for eternity! Too many of us are coasting along, and as John Piper puts it, “treating Jesus like a helpful add‐on, but not as an all‐satisfying, all‐authoritative King…”

Too many of us have our focus on the things of this world, things that the enemy has promised will give us great fulfillment. God’s Word gives us another picture. Let’s dig a little deeper and see the Truth of the matter.

Digging Deeper

Spend some time checking your heart in the following areas. I pray we will all truly grasp the urgency that Christ puts on these topics, and that we will re‐adjust our lives in any areas that are not fully glorifying Him.

• Missions mindset – Mark 8:34‐35, Acts 2:44‐47
• Money/greed – Luke 12:15, Luke 12:21‐28, 1 Timothy 6:10
• Faithful & cheerful giving – 2 Chron. 31:12, 2 Corinthians 9:6‐7, Luke 12:33‐34

¹ Don’t Waste Your Life written by John Piper and published by Crossway Books in 2003.

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What will bring you true and lasting happiness? Among the many supposed answers to that question you will find some of Satan’s favorite lies.

From the beginning, humans were created to want things—good things, like knowledge, food, and fellowship. Those desires motivate us to learn, work, and love our neighbors, but we run into trouble when our desires get focused on the wrong objects. Adam and Eve listened to the serpent’s lie that they would find ultimate fulfillment in the forbidden fruit (Gen. 3:6). In today’s age, the advertising industry carries the same message twenty‐four‐seven on more than 200 channels (in high definition, no less).

How should a Christian respond to both the cultural and internal drive to want, want, want? How can we find true and lasting happiness? The answer is contentment.

Contentment is the attitude of gratefully accepting what God gives, while gracefully releasing what He withholds. Notice Paul’s “secret” to contentment in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Let’s look a little closer into how Christ enables us to be content in all situations.

Contentment has several building blocks:

• Love – allows us to put others first and de‐emphasize our own desires
• Joy and Peace – finding these in God releases us from seeking them in possessions
• Patience – because even when we want a good thing, we can’t always have it now
• Faith – believing that God will provide what we need
• Self‐control – to keep our wants in check

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If those character traits sound familiar, it’s because they are all found in the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22‐23). A life lived in the Holy Spirit will bear those traits, and those traits collectively result in contentment. They are the building blocks and contentment is the house. They are the fruit and contentment is the fruit salad. That’s all well and good, you may be thinking, but it doesn’t make contentment any easier. That’s true. Contentment, like any other worthwhile character trait, takes practice. In the practice of contentment, here are a few helpful tips:

• Contentment does not mean avoiding money. Money is not the root of all evil; the love of money is what gets people into serious trouble (I Timothy 6:10, Heb. 13:5).
• God knows you need certain things to survive. He promises that if you make the kingdom of God your top priority, then God will supply what you need (Matt. 6:31‐34).
• Contentment is not an excuse for laziness. The Bible teaches that we should work hard and plan for the future (Prov. 6:6‐8). It also teaches that prosperity is the typical result of hard work (Prov. 21:5). However, scripture balances these teachings with the warning that peace and joy should not be sacrificed to gain wealth, which is fleeting (Prov. 23:4‐5).

Christian financial advisor Ron Blue summarizes contentment this way:

“No financial principle can have a greater impact on you or free you up more than this truth: Money is not the key to contentment! Contentment has everything to do with your relationship with God and nothing to do with your money. Once you are free from the love of money and the pursuit of it, you can have a lot or a little and be content all the same. At that point you have learned the secret to contentment.”

Digging Deeper

Read Exodus 20:17 (the last of the Ten Commandments). Why is this commandment necessary and how does it differ from the rest of the Ten Commandments?

King Solomon, perhaps more than any other person in history, had it all. Read Ecclesiastes 2:1‐11. What was Solomon’s response after attaining everything the world had to offer?