FINANCIAL SUCCESS ISN’T reserved for a lucky few or those born into wealth. It’s available to anyone who’s willing to learn, commit, and trust God. The Bible is plain: God delights in the prosperity of His people (Ps. 35:27). So why are so many of us stuck in lack? If He wants us to have abundance, yet we don’t, maybe it’s on us to take the right steps.
Deuteronomy 28:12 (NIV) says, “The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands.” That means God has all we need and more in His storehouse. But notice the phrase “in season.” Just like farmers prepare their land before the harvest, we have to be ready for God’s blessings. Are we preparing our finances? Are we managing what He’s already given us wisely?
We all love the idea of an unexpected miracle check in the mailbox. But God’s Word gives us steps to take. He wants to bless the work of our hands. That means we need to actively participate in His financial plan.
SEEK KNOWLEDGE ABOUT FINANCES
One of the first steps is growing in financial knowledge. Hosea 4:6 (NKJV) says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Financial literacy is not just a good idea—it’s a biblical responsibility. God wants us to be good stewards, and that means learning about money management.
Start by reading books that can help make financial principles clear like The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. Use technology—there are apps that track your spending and reveal your financial habits. And surround yourself with people who are wise with money. Proverbs 13:20 (NIV) says, “Walk with the wise and become wise.” If you want to grow, spend time with people who are already where you want to be.
DEFINE WHAT WEALTH MEANS TO YOU
Wealth doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some, it’s about money. For others, it’s about freedom and flexibility. For me, it’s about building a legacy. I think about the people in my family I’ll never meet but who will be blessed because of what I do today.
Ask God to show you what wealth looks like for you. Matthew 6:21 (NKJV) says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” When you spend your time and money, is it going to what you really value? Define your “why,” and it will be easier to stay on the path.
DEVELOP FINANCIAL DISCIPLINE
Proverbs 21:20 (NLT) says, “The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.” It’s easy to spend everything we make, especially when unexpected expenses come up. But financial success is a marathon, not a sprint. Taking small, consistent steps over time will lead to big results.
A Swedish proverb says, “Stop stealing from your future self.” When we spend recklessly, we’re making life harder down the road. Know where your money is going by tracking your spending. Be intentional about your finances by creating a budget. And replace idle time with productive work that brings in extra income.
PRACTICE GENEROSITY AND TITHING
Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Malachi 3:10 tells us to “bring the whole tithe into the storehouse” and test God in His promise to bless tithers. We shouldn’t wait until we’ve paid every bill to give to God. We give first, then live on the rest.
Consider creating a generosity plan—ways you can give beyond the tithe. That may be helping missionaries, supporting nonprofits, or meeting practical needs like buying coats for the homeless or funding a food bank. Use your money to make an impact.
AVOID DEBT AND BUILD WEALTH WISELY
Not all debt is bad, but you should avoid consumer debt like credit card balances. Proverbs 22:7 (NIV) says, “The borrower is slave to the lender.” If you’re covering expenses with credit cards, it’s time to create a debt
repayment plan.
The Total Money Makeover suggests starting with your smallest debt and paying it off first (the “snowball” method). Build an emergency fund for unexpected expenses. Then learn about investing and compound interest so your money can grow.
PLAN WITH ETERNITY IN MIND
Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Matthew 6:19–20 tells us not to store up treasure on earth, but in Heaven. That means planning with eternity in mind. Set eternal goals. Leave a legacy that blesses others long after you’re gone.
Write a financial mission statement. Ask yourself, “What do I want money to do in my life, in my family, and in God’s Kingdom?” For some, it may start with simply wanting to pay the bills. Then it grows to saving, giving, and investing in others.
RECOGNIZE GOD AS YOUR SOURCE
Ultimately, it’s not just about hard work or strategy—it’s about recognizing God as your source. Deuteronomy 8:18 (NIV) says, “Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”
Generosity opens the doors for God’s blessing. But let’s never get so focused on the blessing that we forget the One Who blesses. Begin to dream bigger than your current reality, knowing that with God, all things
are possible.
Author
Don Burns
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