What Does God Want Me to Do With My Finances?

This is a question I have asked myself repeatedly over the last several years.

It’s also a question I’ve heard from clients again and again.

And for a long time, it felt like no one—myself included—had a clear answer.

That uncertainty is exactly why I’m writing this.

Over the last two years, I’ve been on a personal and spiritual quest to answer this question honestly: What does financial planning look like as a disciple of Jesus—especially in the later seasons of life?

I’ve read book after book, listened to podcast after podcast, prayed prayer after prayer, and spent countless hours in Scripture. Did you know there are over 2,500 verses in the Bible that directly address money and wealth? It is one of the most discussed topics in all of Scripture—if not the most discussed.

So why is money often the last thing we want to surrender to God?

Why do we trust Him with our eternity, but hesitate to trust Him with our checking account?

My hope is that this article provides clarity, encouragement, and biblical guardrails for how God desires us to manage money—especially as Christian men and women approaching or living in retirement.

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God Wants You to Be a Generous Giver

One of the most impactful books I’ve read in recent years is Giving It All Away …And Getting It All Back Again by David Green, founder and CEO of Hobby Lobby.

In it, Green reflects on how God reshaped his heart toward generosity while building one of the most successful private companies in America. One quote that deeply impacted me was this:

“God’s command to give is not a transactional formula. I believe, instead, that God notices generosity and helps givers keep on growing and giving.”

This idea runs directly against our culture—but aligns perfectly with Scripture.

Early in my faith journey, I believed many lies about money:

• “I work hard for this—I deserve to spend it how I want.”

• “I can’t afford to tithe. I’m barely getting by.”

These lies quietly create distance between us and God.

But here’s what I’ve learned—and what I’ve seen proven repeatedly in the lives of faithful believers: generosity is not about affordability; it’s about obedience and trust.

When we begin viewing our finances as disciples of Jesus—not consumers shaped by culture—everything changes.

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God Owns It All. Period.

When you truly accept this truth, financial stress begins to loosen its grip.

When we pray, “Lord, I turn everything over to You so I can steward what You’ve entrusted to me,” we are no longer striving to control outcomes—we’re inviting God to lead every decision.

Yet studies show that only about 5% of churchgoers tithe regularly, and most give far below the biblical standard. This is not meant to shame—it’s meant to wake us up.

God doesn’t call most of us to sell everything and wander the earth. Many of us are called to work, build, save, invest, and provide for our families. But that calling does not exempt us from generosity.

So how much should you give?

The honest answer is: it depends.

Scripture repeatedly references giving the first 10%, along with freewill offerings. I often encourage families to think in terms of 10–25% generosity guardrails, while prayerfully discerning what God is asking of them.

As 2 Corinthians 9:7 reminds us:

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give… for God loves a cheerful giver.”

What Scripture does not support is giving God leftovers at the end of the month.

A practical starting point?
Begin at 5%, then increase giving gradually—1% at a time—while praying for wisdom and obedience.

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What Does God Say About Debt?

Proverbs 22:7 is direct:

“The borrower is slave to the lender.”

Debt has become a modern epidemic—and one of the greatest barriers to faithful stewardship.

We are constantly being sold the idea that more stuff equals more happiness. But most of us know how that story ends: temporary excitement followed by long-term payments and regret.

As followers of Christ, we are called to live differently.

Ephesians 4:22–24 reminds us to put off old patterns and renew our minds.

Your worth is not found in your home, your car, or your job title. When we anchor our identity in Christ, it becomes far easier to resist unnecessary spending.

A practical habit I encourage: pray for 24–48 hours before any purchase over $500. That pause alone can save years of financial stress.

Not all debt is inherently sinful—homes, education, and business growth often require borrowing. But every financial decision should be filtered through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel.

If you’re battling debt today, hear this clearly: you are not alone. Many of us—including myself—have walked through seasons of financial correction. God is patient, gracious, and faithful to guide you forward.

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What Does God Say About Saving and Retirement?

Proverbs 6:6–8 encourages us to learn from the ant—preparing wisely for the future.

Saving is not a lack of faith. It is biblical stewardship.

For most households, saving 10–20% of income creates healthy guardrails, though every plan is unique. Factors like Social Security, pensions, and healthcare costs must be considered—especially for Christians ages 50–65 approaching retirement.

Employer retirement plans, matching contributions, emergency savings, and long-term investment strategies all play an important role.

The key? Just start.

Whether it’s $100 a month or a 3% retirement contribution, consistency matters far more than perfection.

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Faithful Stewardship Leads to Peace

So—what does God want you to do with your finances?

He wants you to trust Him, honor Him, and steward wisely what He has entrusted to you.

He wants generosity before consumption.
Wisdom before impulse.
Peace instead of fear.

Financial stewardship isn’t about rules—it’s about relationship.

When your money aligns with your faith, clarity replaces chaos. Stress gives way to peace. And your finances begin supporting—not competing with—your walk with Christ.

If you’re unsure where to begin, seek wise, faith-based counsel. Invite God into every part of your financial life—not just the comfortable parts.

Because when He truly has your heart, your money will follow.