Working with a Christian Financial Advisor in San Antonio, TX, can help you manage your finances in a way that honors God. This means being wise stewards of the resources He has given us, but it involves more than being financially efficient: It also means using them to further His Kingdom.
In other words, living a biblically-responsible financial life means putting God first, avoiding debt, saving and investing wisely, and practicing generosity. Using Scripture as a basis, this article details helpful steps to make forming good habits easier.
This article discusses these topics:
- Always put God first (Proverbs 3:9-10)
- Habitually avoid debt (Proverbs 22:7)
- Save and invest wisely (Proverbs [21:20])
- Work with the like-minded (Exodus [18:21])
1. Always Put God First (Proverbs 3:9–10)
The Bible teaches us that we should put God first in all areas of our lives, including with regard to our personal and business finances. As Proverbs 3:9-10 says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”
In other words, we should give the first and best of our resources to God as an act of worship and gratitude for all He has given us. Similarly, Jesus instructs us to prioritize seeking what pleases God above all other things in Matthew 6. Once we commit to doing this, things generally have a habit of working out according to His plans.
If you’re not sure where to start, a combination of praying in surrender, reading Scripture, and making time to listen makes an excellent launching point. He will probably show you areas in which to focus. I
Another practical way to put God first in your finances is to titheThis may mean giving a percentage of your income to your local church. Like baptism, tithing is not what gets you into Heaven. Instead, giving sacrificially to support the work of the church is a gesture of faith and gratitude. Additionally, it demonstrates your trust in the Lord as your provider.
2. Habitually Avoid Debt (Proverbs 22:7)
The Bible warns us about the dangers of debt, and as believers, we are encouraged to avoid it whenever possible. Proverbs 22:7 says, “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” Debt can be a burden that weighs us down and limits our ability to use our resources for God’s purposes.
Of course, there may sometimes be an occasion when taking on debt is necessary, such as buying a house or paying for an education. Nevertheless, even in those situations, it is important to be responsible and avoid taking on more debt than you can handle.
If you truly have no other choice than to borrow, be as conservative as you can in doing so. Make a plan to pay off your debt as quickly as possible. Avoid taking on any new debt (unless it is absolutely necessary), as well.
Not Sure How To Find a Christian Financial Advisor in the Lone Star State? Read This.
3. Save and Invest Wisely (Proverbs [21:20])
The Bible tasks us with being stewards of what He makes it possible to achieve. Proverbs [21:20] says, “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.”
This is one of the themes of the parable of the Prodigal Son, which Jesus shares in Luke 15, as well. The young man who squanders the resources he’s been blessed with (and greedily asked for) soon winds up penniless and starving; coveting the table scraps fed to a farmer’s pigs.
The opposite of his foolishness is to be consciously intentional about saving for the future. Likewise, we should actively seek to invest our resources in ways that will bring a return. One practical way to start is by creating a budget—and sticking to it.
This should help you prioritize your spending and allocate your resources toward things that are genuinely important. Additionally, if you don’t have one already, you should start an emergency fund in case unexpected expenses arise. Estimates range from saying you should keep three to six months’ worth of bill-paying money aside for the unexpected.
The Lord can use your resources as an investor, but the honor of having extensive resources to offer Him requires a systematic approach. Generally speaking, start by reviewing your financial goals. Next, determine your risk tolerance and time horizon. The fourth and final step, described below, can make Godly investing and living a biblically responsible financial life an achievable blessing.
4. Work With the Like-Minded (Exodus [18:21])
Be sure to seek advice from knowledgeable and trustworthy sources before you make any major investment decisions. Exodus [18:21] says, “Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.”
This description can apply to a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional. You want a fiduciary wealth manager who is legally obligated to put your best financial interests first; even ahead of their own.
At the same time, you want someone who understands that the Bible teaches us to be generous with our resources and to use them to help others. Generosity can take many forms, from giving to charity to helping a friend in need. It is important to be willing to use our resources to help others and to do so with a cheerful heart.
As the Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” This is one of the multiple Bible-based principles the team at Pax Financial Group lives and works by. Not every financial planner is a Christian advisor in Texas, but we are.
Contact us to learn more about our Christian financial planning in San Antonio, TX.
This material is provided by PAX Financial Group, LLC. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. The information herein has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note: Biblically Responsible Investing(“BRI”) involves, among other things, screening for companies that fit within the goal of investing in companies aligned with biblical values. Such screens may serve to reduce the pool of high performing companies considered for investment. Investing involves risk. BRI investing does not guarantee a favorable investment outcome. PAX Financial Group has conducted due diligence for their Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) process and proudly serves as each client’s advocate using fully vetted third-party specialists for the administration of BRI methodology. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investments will fluctuate and when redeemed may be worth more or less than when originally invested. This information should not be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product and should not be relied upon as such.
