<p>Most people would say their most important relationships are with their spouse, children, or close friends. These connections are deeply meaningful and essential. But there’s one relationship that surpasses them all—your relationship with God.</p><p>You might be wondering, <i>What does my relationship with God have to do with money?</i> That’s a fair question—and the answer is, quite a lot.</p><p>While human relationships are a gift from the Lord, none carry more eternal weight than our relationship with Him. God invites us into close fellowship, and how we manage what He’s given us is part of that journey.</p><p>The Bible provides three foundational truths to help us understand the significance of this relationship, especially when it comes to money.</p><h3>1. God Owns Everything</h3><p>Colossians 1:16 says,</p><p><i>“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through him and for him.”</i></p><p>God is the Creator and Owner of everything, including your money, time, possessions, and even your abilities.</p><h3>2. God Entrusts Us With His Resources</h3><p>1 Peter 4:10 tells us,</p><p><i>“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace…”</i></p><p>We don’t own anything outright. God entrusts us with resources so we can steward them faithfully and generously.</p><h3>3. God Desires a Close Relationship with You</h3><p>James 4:8 says,</p><p><i>“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”</i></p><p>God is not distant. He wants a daily, personal relationship with you—one in which trust, dependence, and obedience shape every area of your life, including your finances.</p><h3>Money Is a Spiritual Matter</h3><p>The Bible contains over 2,300 verses about money and possessions. Why so many? Because how we handle money reflects the condition of our hearts.</p><p>As our friend Howard Dayton has said, managing money according to God’s wisdom deepens our fellowship with Christ. Jesus called this kind of relationship <i>“true riches.”</i></p><p>Luke 16:11 says,</p><p><i>“If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?”</i></p><p>When we manage money well—not to earn God’s favor but as an act of worship—we reveal a heart that trusts Him.</p><h3>Heart Check: What’s Standing in the Way?</h3><p>Sometimes, obstacles get in the way of this kind of faithful stewardship. They usually fall into two categories:</p><h3>1. Financial Neglect</h3><p>This is unintentional. Life gets busy, and organizing your finances can feel overwhelming or unimportant. But ignoring your money can lead to stress, disorganization, and missed opportunities to serve and give.</p><p>A practical step: Download the<a href="https://www.faithfi.com/manage"> FaithFi app</a>. It offers three easy ways to set up a spending plan and track your money. It’s a simple tool to help you begin stewarding faithfully.</p><h3>2. Financial Idolatry</h3><p>This is more subtle. You may be diligent in budgeting, saving, or investing, but you still hold your money tightly, unwilling to surrender it to God.</p><p>Jesus said in Matthew 6:24,</p><p><i>“No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve God and money.”</i></p><p>Money can become a rival to God’s rightful place in our hearts. We may hesitate to give generously or support Kingdom work—even though God is calling us to trust Him more deeply.</p><h3>Are You Missing Out on <i>“True Riches”</i>?</h3><p>Some assume that financial choices don’t affect their spiritual lives, but that’s not what Scripture teaches. If you’re not following biblical principles in handling money, what peace or spiritual growth might you be missing?</p><p>Ask yourself:</p><ul><li>Do I trust God with my finances?</li><li>Am I generous with what He’s given me?</li><li>Is my financial life aligned with His Word?</li></ul><p>If any of this resonates with you, don’t wait. Commit your finances to the Lord in prayer, and then follow through by managing them according to biblical wisdom.</p><p>Start with the <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/manage">FaithFi app</a>—not just to budget but to renew your perspective. It connects you to trusted Christian financial content and helps you integrate your faith with every financial decision you make.</p><p>True riches aren’t found in net worth or material success. They’re found in knowing Christ and faithfully stewarding what He’s entrusted to you—for His glory.</p><h3>On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:</h3><ul><li>I have a $220,000 CD earning 0.6% interest and a loan that will increase from 2.9% to 4.4-6%. Should I use the CD to pay off the loan completely or partially?</li><li>Is it better to make a direct cash contribution of $5,000 to an organization or set up an endowment that would provide them with a few hundred dollars annually?</li><li>I'm a retired military veteran with an annual income of $117,000 from military retirement, VA disability, Social Security, and state retirement. I want to ensure my wife is financially secure if she outlives me. Should we increase her 401(k) contributions or use another investment mechanism?</li><li>My property taxes and mortgage payments have skyrocketed, making my monthly payments unaffordable. What are my options for dealing with these increases?</li><li>I have $2,500 extra and want to pay down credit card debt totaling $5,000. I have three cards: one for $200, another for $1,000, and a third for $2,700. Should I pay off the smaller cards first and then focus on the $2,700 card?</li></ul><h3>Resources Mentioned:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://faithfi.com/give">Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/shop/wisdomoverwealth">Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/sparrows">Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/rtg">Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/find">Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/manage">FaithFi App</a></li></ul>
<p><p>Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith &amp; Finance is also available on the <a href="https://www.moodyradio.org/programs/faith-and-finance/">Moody Radio Network </a>and <a href="https://afr.net/podcasts/faith-finance/">American Family Radio</a>. Visit our website at <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/">FaithFi.com </a>where you can join the FaithFi Community <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/give">and give </a>as we expand our outreach.</p></p>

FaithFi

Faith & Finance is a daily radio ministry hosted by Rob West. The program offers a practical, biblical and good-natured approach to managing your time, talents and resources.

Faith & Finance with Rob West

Most people would say their most important relationships are with their spouse, children, or close friends. These connections are deeply meaningful and essential. But there’s one relationship that surpasses them all—your relationship with God.

You might be wondering, What does my relationship with God have to do with money? That’s a fair question—and the answer is, quite a lot.

While human relationships are a gift from the Lord, none carry more eternal weight than our relationship with Him. God invites us into close fellowship, and how we manage what He’s given us is part of that journey.

The Bible provides three foundational truths to help us understand the significance of this relationship, especially when it comes to money.

The Path to True Riches

FaithFi: Faith & Finance | Apr 9, 2025

Show Notes

Where Faith Meets Finance

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